Critical analysis of Data-driven Innovation impact on corporate strategy in the manufacturing industry. The case of Eclat Digital.

Details

Supervisors

Paque, Bernard

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This master thesis studies the impact of Data-driven Innovations on companies involved in the manufacturing industry. This study is focused on a French company called Eclat Digital which provides software and service for creating virtual prototype and light simulation for various engineering fields, such as architecture, automotive, material and product design. Eclat Digital’s technology relies on an innovative method to process data in the field of 3D rendering. First, we analyzed Eclat Digital internal and external environment to understand how the company was creating value out of data. In our case, we find out that Eclat Digital succeeds to create value out of data through two dimensions: (i) a different way to process data thanks to most recent algorithm, and (ii) the capability to process a wider range of data than current software on the market. Moreover, the company saw the lack of data-related skills in the manufacturing industry as an opportunity to develop a service offer. Subsequently, we develop a risk assessment and scenario building model to understand what is at stake when developing a competitive advantage based on a Data-driven Innovation. The analysis leads to the conclusion that Data-driven Innovations shape companies’ strategy by creating opportunities and risks. The methodology used in this thesis was qualitative. As the political environment is continuously evolving, it is necessary to outline that this thesis is based on the European legislation of June 2021.