The theoretical framework of enterprise digital innovation: insights from a qualitative meta-analysis

Purpose This study aims to excavate the external and internal driving factors of enterprise digital innovation and further condense the function mechanisms and response actions of the innovation process as well as the final innovation outcomes to propose the theoretical framework of enterprise digital innovation with the logic thread of “innovation motivation–innovation process–innovation result”. Design/methodology/approach Based on the digital background and integrating previous case studies on enterprise digital innovation, this study uses qualitative meta-analysis to explore the motivations of enterprise digital innovation, the function mechanisms and response actions of innovation process as well as the innovation outcomes. Findings This study finds that digitally transformed enterprises driven by external environmental factors and internal organizational factors follow the logic of adaptive and open innovation, and finally accomplish the digital innovation results of products, services, processes, business models, technology and social responsibility through the response actions of adaptation and interaction mechanisms. Originality/value In the digital economy era, digital innovation has become the key strategic choice for enterprise transformation, upgrading and innovation. Why and how enterprises realize digital innovation with the help of emerging digital technology remain to be explored. This study has important theoretical significance and practical value for the digital innovation and transformation of enterprises under the digital background.