Design Thinking for Competitive Intelligence in a Digital Business Transformation Context

Authors

  • Stoyan Tanev Carleton University, Canada Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37380/jisib.v14.si1.2416

Keywords:

Design thinking, frame creation, social technology, competitive intelligence, digital transformation, strategy development, value proposition

Abstract

This paper examines how Design Thinking (DTh) can enhance Competitive Intelligence (CI) practices in the context of businesses and organizations engaged in a Digital Transformation (DTr) journey. The objective of the paper is to summarize the key insights based on an extensive literature review and engage in a critical reflection that could open the possibility for future research focusing on the development of actionable frameworks that could help executive managers integrate DTh and CI practices in pursuing the DTr of their organization. One of its key contributions is the identification of the value proposition concept as an integrative construct that could help in bringing together the DTh and CI perspectives in designing and managing the DTr strategies of new or established firms. The insights formulated in this paper will be valuable to both scholars and practitioners. 

References

Amit, R. & Zott, R. (2020). Business Model Innovation Strategy: Transformational Concepts for Entrepreneurial Leaders. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Armstrong, J.S. (1982). The value of formal planning for strategic decisions: Review of empirical research. Strategic Management Journal, 3(3): 197-211. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250030303

Auernhammer, J., & Roth, B. (2021). The Origin and Evolution of Stanford University’s Design Thinking: From Product Design to Design Thinking in Innovation Management. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38: 623–644. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12594

Bailetti, T., Tanev, S., & Keen, C. (2020). What Makes Value Propositions Distinct and Valuable to New Companies Committed to Scale Rapidly? Technology Innovation Management Review, 10(6): 14-27. http://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/1365 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/1365

Baker III, F.W., & Moukhliss, S. (2020). Concretising Design Thinking: A Content Analysis of Systematic and Extended Literature Reviews on Design Thinking and Human-Centred Design. Review of Education, 8: 305-333. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3186

Barney, J.B. (2001). Is the resource-based ‘view’ a useful perspective for strategic management research? Yes. Academy of Management Review, 26(1): 41–56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2001.4011938

Barney, J.B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1): 99-120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108

Buchanan, R. (2019). Surroundings and Environments in Fourth Order Design. Design Issues, 35 (1): 4–22. https://doi.org/10.1162/desi_a_00517 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/desi_a_00517

Bulger, N. (2016). The evolving role of intelligence: migrating from traditional competitive intelligence to integrated intelligence. The International Journal of Intelligence, Security, and Public Affairs, 18(1): 57-84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23800992.2016.1150691

Camillus, J.C. (2008). Strategy as a wicked problem. Harvard Business Review, 86: 98-101.

Calof, J., Arcos, R., & Sewdass, N. (2017), Competitive intelligence practices of European firms. Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 30(6): 658-671. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2017.1337890

Carlgren, C., Rauth, I., & Elmquist, M. (2016). Framing Design Thinking: The Concept in Idea and Enactment. Creativity and Innovation Management, 25(1): 38-57.

https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12153 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12153

Carlopio, J. (2010). Strategy by design: A process of strategy innovation. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230105263

Cash, P., Gonçalves, M., & Dorst, K. (2023). Method in their madness: Explaining how designers think and act through the cognitive co-evolution model. Design Studies, 88: 101219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2023.101219. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2023.101219

Cavallo, A., Sanasi, S., Ghezzi, A., & Rangone, A. (2021). Competitive intelligence and strategy formulation: connecting the dots. Competitiveness Review, 31(2): 250-275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-01-2020-0009

Conklin, J. (2005). Dialogue Mapping: Building Shared Understanding of Wicked Problem. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Danneels, L., & Viaene, S. (2022). Identifying digital transformation paradoxes. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 64: 483–500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00735-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00735-7

Dell'Era, C., Magistretti, S., Cautela, C., Verganti, R., & Zurlo, F. (2020). Four kinds of design thinking: From ideating to making, engaging, and criticizing. Creativity and Innovation Management, 29: 324–344. https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12353 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12353

Diderich, C. (2022). Five ways how design thinking and digital transformation complement each other. Insight, 209(September), published by innovate.d. Richterswil: Switzerland. https://docs.innovate-d.com/insights/2022/insight-209-dt_dt_complement.pdf

Diderich, C. (2020). Design Thinking for Strategy. Innovating Towards Competitive Advantage. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25875-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25875-7

Dorst, K. (2015a). Frame creation and design in the expanded field. she ji The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, 1 (Autumn): 22-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2015.07.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2015.07.003

Dorst, K., & Watson, R. (2023). There is no such thing as strategic design. Design Studies, 86(May): 101185, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2023.101185 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2023.101185

Dorst, K. (2016). Designing for the Common Good. Amsterdam: BIS Publishers.

Dorst, K. (2015b). Frame Innovation – Create New Thinking by Design. London: MIT Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/10096.001.0001

Dorst, K. (2006). Design problems and design paradoxes. Design Issues, 22(3): 4-17.

DOI:10.1162/desi.2006.22.3.4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/desi.2006.22.3.4

Dunne, D. (2018). Design Thinking at Work: How Innovative Organizations are Embracing Design. Toronto: Rotman-UTP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.3138/9781487513788. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/9781487513788

Fahey, L. (2007). Connecting strategy and competitive intelligence: refocusing intelligence to produce critical strategy inputs. Strategy & Leadership, 35(1): 4-12. DOI 10.1108/10878570710717236 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/10878570710717236

Fountain, J. (2020). The Wicked Nature of Digital Transformation: A Policy Perspective. Dubai Policy Review: https://dubaipolicyreview.ae/the-wicked-nature-of-digital-transformation-a-policy-perspective/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.46993/DPR/EN005

Govers, M., & van Amelsvoort, P. (2023). A theoretical essay on socio-technical systems design thinking in the era of digital transformation. Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation., 54: 27–40. https://doi-org.proxy.library.carleton.ca/10.1007/s11612-023-00675-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11612-023-00675-8

Hamel, G. (1998). Opinion: Strategy innovation and the quest for value. Sloan Management Review, 39(2): 7e14.

Heavin, C., & Power, D. (2018). Challenges for digital transformation – towards a conceptual decision support guide for managers. Journal of Decision Systems, 27:sup1: 38-45, DOI: 10.1080/12460125.2018.1468697. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2018.1468697

Huber, D. (2021). Competitive Intelligence for Design Teams. IBM Design: https://medium.com/design-ibm/competitive-intelligence-for-design-teams-990b6b410d52

Jaskyte, K., & Liedtka, J. (2022). Design thinking for innovation: Practices and intermediate outcomes. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 32(4): 555–575. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.21498 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.21498

Jiao, R., Luo, J., Malmqvist, J., & Summers, J. (2022). New design: opportunities for engineering design in an era of digital transformation. Journal of Engineering Design, 33(10): 685-690.

doi:10.1080/09544828.2022.2147270. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2022.2147270

Johansson-Sköldberg, U., Woodilla, J., & Çetinkaya, M. (2013). Design Thinking: Past, Present and Possible Futures. Creativity and Innovation Management, 22: 121–46.

https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12023

Kolko, J. (2018). Divisiveness of design thinking. Interactions, 25(3): 28–34.

https://doi.org/10.1145/3194313 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3194313

Lamba, P., & Jain, N. (2022). Overcoming challenges faced by digital entrepreneurs: a design thinking approach. Development and Learning in Organizations, 36(6): 12-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-11-2021-0195

https://doi-org.proxy.library.carleton.ca/10.1108/DLO-11-2021-0195

Lanning, M., & Michaels, E. (1988). A business is a value delivery system. McKinsey Staff Paper, 41(June): 1–16.

Lanning, M. (2020). Try taking your value proposition seriously—Why delivering winning value propositions should be but usually is not the core strategy for B2B (and other businesses). Industrial Marketing Management, 87: 306–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2019.10.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2019.10.011

Liedtka, J., Salzman, R., & Azer, D. (2017). Design thinking for the greater good: Innovation in the social sector. New York: Columbia University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7312/lied17952

Liedtka, J. (2020). Putting technology in its place: Design thinking’s social technology at work. California Management Review, 62(2): 53-83. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125619897391 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125619897391

Liedtka, J. (2015). Perspective: Linking Design Thinking with Innovation Outcomes through Cognitive Bias Reduction. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(6): 925-938.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12163 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12163

Liedtka, J., & Locatelli, G. (2023). Humanising complex projects through design thinking and its effects. International Journal of Project Management, 41(4): 102483.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2023.102483. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2023.102483

Liedtka, J., Hold, K., & Eldridge, J. (2021). Experiencing Design. The Innovator’s Journey. New York: Columbia Business School Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7312/lied19426

Lorange, P. (1980). Corporate Planning. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

Madureira, L., Popovič, A., & Castelli, M. (2023). Competitive Intelligence Maturity Models: Systematic Review, Unified Model and Implementation Frameworks. Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 13(1): 6-29. https://doi.org/10.37380/jisib.v13i1.988 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37380/jisib.v13i1.988

Madureira, L., Popovič, A., & Castelli, M. (2021). Competitive intelligence: A unified view and modular definition. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 173: 121086. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121086

Madureira, L. (2019). Design Thinking: The New Mindset for Competitive Intelligence? CI Magazine, 24(1): https://www.scip.org/page/Design_Thinking_for_CI

Magistretti, S., Bianchi, M., Calabretta, G., Candi, M., Dell’Era, C., Stigliani, I., & Verganti, R. (2022). Framing the multifaceted nature of design thinking in addressing different innovation purposes. Long Range Planning, 55(5): 102163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2021.102163. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2021.102163

Magistretti, S., Pham, C., & Dell'Era, C. (2021). Enlightening the dynamic capabilities of design thinking in fostering digital transformation. Industrial Marketing Management, 97: 59-70.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2021.06.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2021.06.014

Magistretti, S., Ardito, L., & Messeni Petruzzelli, A. (2021). Framing the Micro-foundations of Design Thinking as a Dynamic Capability for Innovation: Reconciling Theory and Practice. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38: 645–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12586 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12586

Maluleka, M., & Chummun, B. (2023). Competitive intelligence and strategy implementation: Critical examination of present literature review. South African Journal of Information Management, 25(1): a1610. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v25i1.1610 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v25i1.1610

Marx, C. (2022). Design Thinking for Digital Transformation: Reconciling Theory and Practice. In: Meinel, C. and Leifer, L. (Eds.), Design Thinking Research, Understanding Innovation. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland AG, pp. 57-77. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09297-8_4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09297-8_4

Matthews, B., Doherty, S., Worthy, P., & Reid, J. (2023). Design thinking, wicked problems and institutioning change: a case study. CoDesign, 19(3): 177-193.

DOI: 10.1080/15710882.2022.2034885 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15710882.2022.2034885

Micheli, P., Wilner, S., Bhatti, S., Mura, M., & Beverland, M. (2019). Doing design thinking: Conceptual review, synthesis, and research agenda. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 36(2): 124-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12466 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12466

Micheli, P., & Boardroom, C. (2014). Leading business by design: Why and how business leaders invest in design. Coventry: Warwick Business School.

Mintzberg, H. (1994). The rise and fall of strategic planning. New York: The Free Press.

Mintzberg, H., & Waters, J.A. (1985). Of strategies, deliberate and emergent. Strategic Management Journal, 6(3): 257-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250060306

Mootee, I. (2013). Design thinking for strategic innovation. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.

Nambisan, S., Zahra, S., & Luo, Y. (2019). Global platforms and ecosystems: Implications for international business theories. Journal of International Business Studies, 50(9): 1464–1486.

https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-019-00262-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-019-00262-4

Oliveira, M., Zancul, E., & Salerno, M. (2024). Capability building for digital transformation through design thinking. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198: 122947.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122947 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122947

Onetti, A., Zucchella, A., Jones, M., & McDougall-Covin, P. (2012). Internationalization, innovation and entrepreneurship: business models for new technology-based firms. Journal of Management & Governance, 16: 337–368. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-010-9154-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-010-9154-1

Payne, A., Frow, P., & Eggert, A. (2017). The customer value proposition: evolution, development, and application in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 45(4): 467–489. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-017-0523-z

Payne, A., & Frow, P. (2014). Deconstructing the value proposition of an innovation exemplar. European Journal of Marketing, 48(1/2): 237–270. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-09-2011-0504

Porter, M. E. (1996). What is strategy? Harvard Business Review, 74(6): 61–78.

Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy. New York: Free Press.

Qin, R. (2023). Overcoming the digital transformation paradoxes: a digital affordance perspective. Management Decision, ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2022-0576 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2022-0576

Raynor, M. (2007). The Strategy Paradox: Why committing to success leads to failure (and what to do about it). ‎Danvers, MA: Crown Business.

Ries, E. (2011). The lean startup: How today's entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses. New York: Crown Business.

Rodgers, P., Innella, G., & Bremner, C. (2017). Paradoxes in design thinking. The Design Journal, 20:sup1: S4444-S4458. DOI:10.1080/14606925.2017.1352941 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2017.1352941

Rogers, D. (2023). The Digital Transformation Roadmap – Rebuild Your Organization for Continuous Change. New York: Columbia University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7312/roge19658

Russo Spena, T., & Cristina, M. (2020). Practising innovation in the healthcare ecosystem: the agency of third-party actors. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 35(3), 390-403. https://doi-org.proxy.library.carleton.ca/10.1108/JBIM-01-2019-0048 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-01-2019-0048

Smith, P., & Beretta, M. (2021). The Gordian knot of practicing digital transformation: coping with emergent paradoxes in ambidextrous organizing structures. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38(1): 166-191. doi: 10.1111/jpim.12548 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12548

Smith, W., & Lewis, M. (2011). Toward a theory of paradox: A dynamic equilibrium model of organizing. Academy of Management Review, 36 (2): 381–403. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0223 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0223

Sobel, L., & Schweitzer, J. (2022). Understanding the role of design as a practice for strategy development. Proceedings of the Innovation and Product Development Management Conference. Hamburg: Germany. http://hdl.handle.net/10453/159150

Spender, J.-C. (2014). Business Strategy. Managing Uncertainty, Opportunity, and Enterprise. Oxford University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686544.001.0001

Tanev, S., Keen, C., Bailetti, T., & Hudson, D. (2024). Topic Modelling of Management Research Assertions to Develop Insights into the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Value Propositions of Early-Stage Growth-Oriented Companies. Applied Sciences, 14(8): 3277. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083277 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083277

Teece, D., Peteraf, M., & Leih, S. (2016). Dynamic Capabilities and Organizational Agility: Risk, Uncertainty, and Strategy in the Innovation Economy. California Management Review, 58(4): 13-35. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.4.13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.4.13

Toppenberg, G., and Mehta, B. (2019). Digital Transformation & Design Thinking. Part I, II & III: Solutions to Your Company's Wicked Problems. Executive Update, Business Technology & Digital Transformation Strategies, Cutter Consortium:

https://www.cutter.com/sites/default/files/BT_DTS/2019/btsu1902b.pdf

Vendraminelli, L., Macchion, L., Nosella, A., & Vinelli, A. (2023). Design Thinking: Strategy for Digital Transformation. Journal of Business Strategy, 44(4): 200-210. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-01-2022-0009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-01-2022-0009

Verganti, R. (2017). Overcrowded: Designing meaningful products in a world awash with ideas. Boston, MA: MIT Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262035361.001.0001

Verganti, R., Dell’Era, C., & Swan, K.S. (2021). Design thinking: Critical analysis and future evolution. Guest Editorial of the Special Issue: Design Thinking and Innovation Management: Matches, Mismatches and Future Avenues. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38: 603-622. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12610 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12610

Volpentesta, T., Spahiu, E., & De Giovanni, P. (2023), A survey on incumbent digital transformation: a paradoxical perspective and research agenda. European Journal of Innovation Management, 26(7): 478-501. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-01-2023-0081 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-01-2023-0081

Wagner, D.N. (2020). The nature of the Artificially Intelligent Firm - An economic investigation into changes that AI brings to the firm. Telecommunications Policy, 44(6): 101954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2020.101954. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2020.101954

Wang, G. (2022). Digital reframing: The design thinking of redesigning traditional products into innovative digital products. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 39(1): 95-118. https://doi-org.proxy.library.carleton.ca/10.1111/jpim.12605 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12605

Webster, F. (2002). Market-driven management: How to define, develop and deliver customer value (2nd ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Weedon, S. (2019). The Core of Kees Dorst’s Design Thinking: A Literature Review. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 33(4), 425-430. DOI: 10.1177/1050651919854077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1050651919854077

Wimelius, H., Mathiassen, L., Holmström, J., & Keil, M. (2021). A paradoxical perspective on technology renewal in digital transformation. Information Systems Journal, 31: 198-225.

https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12307 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12307

Winter, S. (2003). Understanding dynamic capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 24(10): 991–995. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20060593. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.318

Downloads

Published

2024-12-12

How to Cite

Tanev, S. (2024). Design Thinking for Competitive Intelligence in a Digital Business Transformation Context. Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 14(Special Issue 1), 57-85. https://doi.org/10.37380/jisib.v14.si1.2416