Technological innovation and risk in the management of integrated supply chains : a survey results

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to attempt to characterise the degree of implementation and use of technological innovations in logistics companies and to determine their impact on risk factors, identification methods and tools for its minimisation.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the desk research method of statistical data analysis, the comparative analysis method and the method of critical analysis of the subject literature. A survey technique was used to obtain primary data, the research tool of which was a research questionnaire distributed electronically (CASI) in the form of a survey questionnaire. The survey technique was complemented by the telephone interview method (CATI) and the face-to-face interview method (CAPI).

Findings: The results of the research carried out show that despite the occurrence of risk, companies decide to implement various types of innovations, especially those from the technological area. This is mainly due to fear for the future of the organisation connected with its development and the technological rush that is currently observed in the economic space. Despite the high risk involved in this type of investment, companies try to minimise the risk of failure, and the greatest concerns in their operation relate not so much to aspects of the internal environment as to the socio-economic situation of the world.

Practical Implications: Nowadays, in order for companies to implement innovative solutions in the technological area, they are obliged to provide access to their source and prepare information about existing solutions and possibilities of their use. The results of the survey confirm that for new ideas to bring the desired result, they must be carefully defined, analysed and adapted to the organisation's profile. Such activities are of particular importance when introducing innovations aimed at ensuring an appropriate level of process execution in integrated supply chains.

Originality/value: The obtained results lead to questions and discussion as to whether it is currently possible to "be" non-innovative in the technological field, and whether it is possible to avoid the risks associated with the implementation of innovative solutions? As the research results show, it is impossible.