Transformation of innovation processes during the COVID-19 pandemic: improvement strategies

Abstract

The importance of innovation processes of organisations has been confirmed by a wide body of research. Hard times brought about as a result of external environment circumstances force organisations to alter their innovation processes. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to track the transformation of organisations by identifying the key strategies that were adopted by these to shape innovation processes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review was conducted using keyword (“innovation process*” AND “covid”) searches in four databases: EBSCO host, Emerald, Science Direct and PubMed. A further systematic approach included the selection of articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The relevant literature was based on scientific articles published in highly rated scientific journals. These articles were then analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. A total of 13 academic peer-reviewed articles were selected from an initial sample of 566 that were published between 2019 and 2022. The analysis of articles led to the proposition of four strategies that shaped the innovation processes in organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic and can help organisations in the future: rethinking, rapid response, collaboration and openness. The review has some practical implications, that can help management and R&D experts eliminate organisational uncertainties.