Innovation of enterprises in the business services sub-sector in Poland : adaptation of the VUCA concept

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the possibilities of adapting the VUCA concept to building innovativeness of enterprises in the business services subsector.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The verification of the hypothesis and the implementation of the goal were carried out through theoretical and empirical research of enterprises in the business services subsector. Due to the diversity of enterprises in the business services subsector, empirical research was directed to groups of internally coherent entities whose functioning and development are based on professional knowledge.

FINDINGS: In the 21st century, many changes have taken place in Poland that have had a positive impact on the ability to think about innovation. However, this did not translate into the innovativeness of the Polish economy, which is still low compared to other countries that claim to be at least medium-developed. Improving the innovativeness of Polish enterprises requires a new approach to innovation. This will be facilitated by the use of the VUCA concept.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article proposes a new reference model of enterprise innovation. Its use by enterprises in the business services subsector will enable them to maintain or increase innovation in VUCA conditions. The application of this concept requires a reliable analysis of four areas of enterprise innovation and VUCA conditions.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Research described in the literature indicates similar strategies for maintaining enterprise innovation. However, the literature on the subject does not address the topic in relation to enterprises in the business services subsector and does not fully take into account the VUCA conditions. This article fills this gap.