Conceptualisation and application of dynamic and open approaches in Comau

Nowadays, increased technological uncertainty and market turbulence are forcing companies to be constantly ready for the change. Consequently, the path through which incumbent firms pursue radical innovation is not extensively clear in the literature. Based on three relevant approaches proposed in the literature as solutions to the problem of pursuing radical innovation in large established firms, (i.e. ambidexterity, dynamic capabilities, and open innovation) we develop a conceptual framework allowing us to analyze firms' dynamic and open approaches to radical innovation. We present an empirical application of this framework to the case of a high-technology company operating in the industrial automation industry. Drawing on primary and secondary data, we provide empirical evidence of a "path" for incumbent companies which, by adopting open and agile approaches, can reach two purposes: first, to reduce and manage uncertainties generated by discontinuities and explorative activities, second, to successfully pursue radical innovation.