Digital transformation with digital twins - distinct mechanisms of enabling and controlling uses

ABSTRACT

This study examines the connection between digital twin mechanisms and digital twin uses. We examined digital twins through three dimensions: navigation; interaction; and discovery. The effects were examined by considering two different uses: enabling use and controlling use. This study found a direct and positive relationship between the interaction mechanism and the enabling and controlling uses of digital twins. The results also indicated the nonexistence of any relationship between the navigation and discovery mechanisms, and digital twins’ enabling and controlling uses. The results indicate that digital twin realism exerts a negative moderating effect on the relationship between digital twins’ discovery mechanism and controlling use. Managers can leverage research findings as they adopt new digital tools to support their service businesses and management needs. For example, managers can leverage research findings by using digital technologies to inspire and motivate employees to fulfil organisational objectives.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital twin
• organisational control
• enabling use
• controlling use

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Minna Saunila

Minna Saunila (D.Sc. Tech.) is an Associate Professor at LUT University, School of Engineering Science, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. Since 2018, she is also a docent of the University of Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics. Her research covers topics related to performance management, innovation, service operations, as well as sustainable value creation. Recently, her research projects have been related to digitisation of services and production. She has previously published in Technovation, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, and Computers in Industry among others.

Mira Holopainen

Mira Holopainen (M.Sc. Tech.) is a Project Researcher and Doctoral Student in the School of Engineering Science at LUT University, Finland. Her research is related to performance measurement and management as well as digital transformation of industrial companies.

Mina Nasiri

Mina Nasiri (M.Sc. Tech) is a Post-doctoral researcher at LUT University, School of Engineering Science, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. Her research interests lie in the area of digitalisation, digital transformation, performance measurement and management, operations management and sustainable strategies.

Juhani Ukko

Juhani Ukko (D.Sc. Tech.) is a Professor at LUT University, School of Engineering Science, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. He is also an adjunct professor at Tampere University. His current research focuses on performance measurement, operations management, digital transformation, digital services and corporate sustainability performance. In recent years, he has managed and participated in research projects related to digital transformation in companies and society. His work has been published in journals such as International Journal of Operations and Production Management, International Journal of Production Economics and Journal of Cleaner Production.

Tero Rantala

Tero Rantala (M.Sc. Tech) is a Post-doctoral researcher at LUT University, School of Engineering Science. His current research focuses on performance management and measurement of university–industry collaborations. In addition, his current research interests involve different areas of performance management in digital business environments and sustainable business contexts. He has previously published in journals such as European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Cleaner Production, Information Technology & People, and Education and Work.