Business process management as a continuous enabler for digital innovation – insights from top executives

Purpose In light of the ever-increasing opportunities associated with new digital technologies, an emerging body of knowledge examines how and under what circumstances organizations leveraging business process management (BPM) can be receptive to and supportive of digital innovation-related opportunities. In this study, we ask: How can BPM be set up to enable digital innovation on a continuous basis? Design/methodology/approach We conduct an inductive study with top executives in Central Europe. Our multi-method research consists of a Delphi study and two rounds of follow-up interviews. Findings We theorize that BPM can enable digital innovation along four dimensions: organizational IT application portfolio, organizational structure, organizational culture and organizational capabilities. Based on this, we provide four conjectures on how BPM can enable digital innovation. Originality/value Our study adds to the emerging debate around the connection between BPM and digital innovation by specifying how organizations can implement digital innovation initiatives while maintaining efficient and effective workflows.