Factors Influencing the Usage Behavior of Digitalized Innovation Environments in Companies : A Qualitative in-Depth Analysis

Abstract

Digital Innovation Environments (DIE) as an umbrella term for facilities such as FabLabs, Makerspaces and Innovation Laboratories are already well known in the private and academic sectors. We focus on exploring the business aspects of DIEs and their role in digital transformation and creation of new opportunities for companies to increase their knowledge transfer and innovation capabilities. This research is dedicated to factors influencing the usage behavior of company employees of a DIE. From seven guided interviews, a total of 27 influencing factors in seven topics were identified through successive in-depth analysis and criterion-guided interpretation. These factors show the complexity of DIEs and at the same time lay the foundation for further research. In addition, they are a valuable insight for practice, as they can be used as a basis for developing new integration and cooperation structures.