Abstract
Purpose – This article examines the innovation capability of accounting firms in the Brazilian market, in their use of digital technologies, based on technology development, operation, management, and transaction capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – We carried out interviews with the main managers of the companies and collected institutional documents and external documents on the national and international context of accounting business innovation. Findings – Accounting has begun on the traditional path towards digital innovation, demonstrating the quality and value that technology-related solutions can generate when exploited in business and especially in processes. This increase in technology causes changes in accounting business models. Originality/value –The paper contributes to the theoretical body of work on innovation and accounting, identifying that this area is on the way towards innovation by using new technologies in the creation of operations and transaction management. It is clear that the process of innovation and digital transformation already presents a real challenge to be managed.
Highlights
The central role of digital technologies in changing societies and the business environment has aroused managers’ interest in dealing with innovation and the creation of digital products, services, and processes (Nylén & Holmström, 2015)
While digital innovation is characterized by the creation of new products, services, and processes, among others, digital transformation combines the effects of various digital innovations, bringing new agents, structures, practices, values, and beliefs that change, threaten, replace, or complement existing rules within organizations and industries (Hiningsa, Gegenhuberb, & Greenwoodaa, 2018)
To innovate, an organization’s capabilities need to be specific and integrated to generate income during the period between the introduction of an innovation and its successful diffusion (Zawislak et al, 2013). This qualitative and descriptive research performs a multiple case study examining the innovation capability of accounting firms in the Brazilian market stemming from the use of digital technologies, based on technology development, operations, managerial, and transaction capabilities
Summary
The central role of digital technologies in changing societies and the business environment has aroused managers’ interest in dealing with innovation and the creation of digital products, services, and processes (Nylén & Holmström, 2015). With the rapid change of the business environment as digital technologies have been introduced, their integration into business processes has proven to be essential for contemporary organizations looking to address challenges and create opportunities for competitive advantage in a digital economy (Liu, Chen, & Chou, 2011; Tongur & Engwall, 2014) In this regard, the MIT Sloan Management Review survey in conjunction with Deloitte found that nearly 90% of managers report experiencing the impact of digital technologies on their industries; less than half report doing enough to prepare for this digital revolution (Kane, Palmer, Phillips, Kiron, & Buckley, 2015). Digital technologies open up new business opportunities, but they create competitive pressure (Abrell, Pihlajamaa, Kanto, Brocke, & Uebernickel, 2016), stimulating the digital innovation of products and services. Nylén and Holmström (2015) reveal that the potential of digital technologies to generate innovative products and services that enable managers to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace arouses their interest in addressing the challenges behind innovation and digital transformation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
