Two Ways to Rome

A Comparative Study of Digital vs. Analogue Open Workplace Innovation Processes

Abstract

This paper examines the implementation of workplace innovation (WPI) in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the textile sector by comparing a participatory approach conducted in analogue and digital formats. It addresses the question of whether, in SMEs with limited innovation resources, digital par-ticipation can enable outcomes comparable to those of analogue formats. The textile industry provides a relevant empirical context, as it faces both innova-tion- and sustainability-related challenges, such as the need to reduce waste and improve production efficiency while adopting new technologies.

In the study, employees participated in digital or analogue focus groups and contributed their perspectives to the design of paper-based dashboard proto-types for the cutting machines they operated. The evaluation focused on the acceptance of the focus groups, perceived WPI, and the usability ratings of the resulting paper-based dashboard prototypes. The descriptive findings did not indicate substantial differences between digital and analogue focus groups with regard to acceptance and perceived WPI. Likewise, the usability ratings of the paper-based dashboard prototypes showed only limited descriptive differences.

Overall, the study suggests that, under certain organisational conditions, digital participatory formats may represent a viable option for implementing WPI in SMEs. The findings indicate that the key issue lies less in the format itself than in how participation is designed and enabled within the organisational setting.

Given the single-case design and descriptive analysis, the generalisability of the results remains limited. Further research is needed to compare digital and ana-logue WPI processes systematically under standardised conditions.