An Extension of PlanDigital: Software Support for Collaborative Idea Management in SMEs

Becker, Jörg; Hermann, Andreas; Gollhardt, Torsten; von Herbay, Constantin; Cordes, Ann-Kristin

Abstract

Two promising approaches for SMEs to encounter prevalent Digital Transformation challenges are (1) IT-based Idea Management support and (2) the integration of external supporters. This paper is an extension of a prototype, ultimately aiming to support Idea Management in SMEs through collaboration with external support units. The prototype addresses a practice-inspired problem by instantiating previously formulated design knowledge. Nine design-accompanying smallscale projects with SMEs, three focus groups, and three semi-structured interviews proved the prototype’s usefulness to facilitate Idea Management and, thereby, Digital Transformation in SMEs.

Keywords
Software Engineering; Digital Transformation; Idea Management; Small and Medium-sized Enterprise; Collaboration