数字经济背景下传统手工艺小微企业的运营转型与模式重塑——以经营35年的裁缝店Z公司为例

… in digital solutions. However, the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of digital … the investments in both digital marketing and digital technologies and their subsequent …

This chapter proposes an original analysis of the subtle reconciliation of digital transformation and responsible management within a French family-owned small business named "Les Bougies de Charroux". The research aims to understand better how digital transformation and CSR practices can be reconciled in artisanal family SMEs to work as levers of competitiveness. To achieve this aim, a systemic approach to strategic alignment resulting from the management of Information Systems is followed. The authors formulate a few key points to better support artisanal family SMEs in their digital transformation without denying their values and the specifics of their corporate culture. The study's findings relate to the issue of time. Another interesting conclusion refers to the need to involve all the actors in strategic change induced by digital transformation.

Purpose Supported by a service ecosystem that is increasingly immersed into digital transformation, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to turnkey information technology (IT) applications, which may come free of charge but not free of concerns. The purpose of this paper is to explore a group conceptualisation and associated perceptions of IT issues within an ecosystem that includes three subgroup profiles: entrepreneurs, IT professionals and socioeconomic support professionals. Design/methodology/approach Using group concept mapping, a bottom-up and participatory mixed methods-based approach, a concept map was estimated, based on a list of items, to define seven clusters pertaining to issues and challenges of adoption and use of turnkey IT applications in SMEs of less than 20 employees. Perceptions measures of relative importance and feasibility were obtained by subgroup profiles. Findings The relative importance and relative feasibility measures for the seven clusters indicate significant statistical differences in ratings among the subgroup profiles. A discussion on the importance of relational capital in addressing challenges of digital transformation in SMEs is developed. Originality/value Results highlight signifiant differences concerning key dimensions in the adoption and use of IT from the perspective of three subgroup profiles of actors within the ecosystem. First, the results stress the need to develop a shared understanding of IT challenges. Second, they suggest policymakers could use these conceptual representations to further develop and strengthen the IT-related support agenda for SMEs, especially the smaller ones (e.g. training programs, business support and coaching initiatives, etc.).

… , particularly in the field of SMEs and women-led businesses. It … a crucial role in promoting artisanal products and enhancing … Digital marketing through social media has transformed the …

… Taken together, these strands motivate our focus on Calabria’s artisanal SMEs: settings where digital transformation is relational (dependent on external providers), constrained (capital …

This study explores the necessity for artisan family businesses to adopt digital technology to be sustainable in the post-pandemic cultural tourism industry. The current study aims to highlight the importance of assessing the acceptance of technology by the artisan family business in terms of technology adoption before embracing the digital transformation journey. This study reviewed the existing works of literature related to the digital transformation of family businesses, particularly within the context of artisan family businesses in the cultural tourism industry. Digital transformation is one of the most influential factors for businesses from a long-term perspective. Hence, digital transformation is a critical element to the survival of organisations in the long run. Therefore, assessing technology acceptance related to artisan family businesses is crucial for successful adoption, which helps in the survival of such businesses and, in turn, supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This present study has effectively made a strong assertion of the significance of assessing the technological acceptance among artisan family businesses before adopting relevant kinds of technology. The study offers policymakers and stakeholders an analytical roadmap to help organizations bolster their efforts in their digital transformation processes.

The changing role of the digital, through the evolution of mobile technologies, is reflected in the increasing use of digital platforms and devices for e-commerce purposes. As a consequence, the way in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) activities are conducted in many sectors has been completely modified. This chapter examines how digital tools can lead to traditional businesses turbulence by changing the way that crafts pieces are consumed in the contemporary market. In particular, it considers the opportunities that the dialogue with technological innovation brings to the craft sector, which is fueled by continuous renewal. The analysis continues by introducing the potential of digital tools, in particular arguing that the use of digital platforms makes it possible to create ecosystems in which actors collaborate and compete with each other. Through the 'Artemest' case study, the chapter will discuss the crucial phase that Artisanal is facing due to the digital transformation and how it could transform its niche activities into profitable economic innovations by developing valuable partnerships.

… This study focuses on the artisanal sectors of carpet, metal work (brasserie), leather, pottery, ceramics, and embroidery. The firms and cooperatives in question have chosen to ‘digitize’ …

… He defines it as an area of activity where cultural and creative production combines with technological and market innovations and considers the impact of digital transformation on …

Collaboration between designers and craftspeople, or designers and small manufacturers, is a strategy aiming to revive the local manufacturing industry in countries impacted by post-industrial economic challenges. In this paper we examine a local initiative—a community of practice (CoP) composed of designers and craftspeople—by studying how they have used technology to collaborate, in order to identify opportunities for long-term growth of this community. To gain a deep understanding of the dynamics in the community, the collaboration process during the workshop and after it, we used a three-phase qualitative research strategy. We conducted interviews with the participants and staff, analyzed an 11-month period of communications in the WhatsApp group and, finally, conducted a co-design session. We identify opportunities and challenges related to the design and implementation of a personalized collaborative system that fulfills the needs of the users as individuals and community members.

… SMEs sustain traditional artisanal … for digital transformation and sustainability transitions. However, these mechanisms may be implemented inconsistently, frequently overlooking SMEs …

… relationship between SMEs, especially craft firms, and digital … created to serve artisans and small businesses, provided in … : the same digital technologies are transforming manufacturing …

: This study analyzed the insights of Filipina entrepreneurs in the handicrafts industry on creativity and sustainability as they relate to innovation. Specifically, the responses of the EntrePinays in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao pertaining to factors affecting their innovation activities; the degree of implementation of innovation activities; factors hampering innovation activities; and the effects/impact of innovation on sustainability and other outcomes were compared. The study utilized the conceptual framework on creativity and entrepreneurship by Matthews (2007) and the innovation measurement framework of the OECD/Eurostat (2005). Two hundred three Filipina entrepreneurs in the handicrafts industry from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were interviewed using the adapted survey instrument from OECD/Eurostat (2005). Results indicate that on a national scale, only creativity and laws and regulations significantly influence product innovations. Moreover, the influence of creativity is twice as much as that of laws and regulations. Likewise, it was found that only the institutional factor (incentive program for innovations) significantly influences process innovations. Among the innovation activities, product and marketing innovation activities have the highest level of implementation. Organizational innovations activities, on the other hand, are the least implemented. There are no significant differences in the degree of implementation of innovation activities among Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Entrepinays. Only product and organizational innovations affect sustainability. Thus, the study recommends that more training programs be offered, both by the government and private sectors, as well as the academe, to enhance entrepreneurs’ creativity; and for the government to ensure that laws and regulations affecting entrepreneurs’ efforts to undertake product innovation will protect and foster such initiatives for creative outcomes.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess sustainability across the handloom industry in Sri Lanka and identify opportunities for sustainable innovations supporting new markets, development of SMEs and growth in the Sri Lankan craft sector Design/Methodology/Approach – Using a multiple case studies methodology 10 case studies and 37 semi-structured interviews were analysed in conjunction with the triple-layered business model canvas. Findings- The study reveals the handloom industry to be fundamentally sustainable but with structural barriers hindering innovation and growth. The environmentally conscious production process and social inclusion within weaving communities are the key driving forces of sustainability in the sector but the structure of the industry and lack of access to markets and information act as barriers to innovation and growth. The incorporation of design interventions, closed-loop manufacturing strategies and the encouragement of community-based entrepreneurship would support sustainability orientated business innovation in the handloom industry. Originality/Value - The rapidly increasing market share for high-quality, hand-made goods indicates the potential of the creative industries to accelerate socio-economic growth. Handloom textiles is attracting growing interest in fashion markets, due to increasing concern about exploitation in production encouraging interest in the economic benefits of fairly traded, high quality materials, but also the potential contribution of handloom to sustainability in the fashion industry. The findings of this study will support the handloom industry and policy makers in developing support for sustainable innovation in the handloom industry.

This research focuses on the factors that barriers and foster (drivers) digital innovation and entrepreneurship amongst small businesses operating in the Handicraft industry after the economic downturn. From the perspective of new Indian craft entrepreneurs, digital and innovative entrepreneurship is crucial to surviving the crisis. It will eventually encourage the development of the handmade goods market and the artisanal reconfiguration as a business. In this study, the qualitative method was used. For the creation of themes, Inductive content analysis (analytical, inductive technique) was used to interview fifty online handicraft business owners who rely on their craft talents for income. After the pandemic, two types of motivation were generated for handmade entrepreneurs. The first motivation was extrinsic, which conditioned the handicraft market, restricted mobility, and upgraded household status for entrepreneurship. The second was intrinsic motivation among the craft entrepreneurs who generated individual and professional skill growth. These two factors encouraged digital craft innovations and entrepreneurial advancement of transitioning handicraft companies to digital platforms. After the interview, respondents explained several hindrances or restrictions, market interruption, and quality internet. Even after that, it resolved as the effect of the pandemic reduced and digital skill training for innovation and entrepreneurship passion increased for developing a robust programme that supports the handicraft new entrepreneurs after the economic calamities. This finding contributes to the area of investigation and contributes to entrepreneurship literature. This study will open the route for making the policy and development of solid strategic plans for the handicraft sector’s new craft entrepreneurs. With the help of innovative and digital entrepreneurs, small-scale or craft industries will boost the Indian economy and give some of the best suggestions for global economies. For developing economies, this study will also empower entrepreneurs to open new dimensions for marketing, supply chain, and exportation and will finally increase the Globalisation of handmade products.

This study investigates the factors influencing consumer acceptance of certain types of innovation in handicraft products. Another aim of the article is construct/scale development applicable to handicrafts because our study collected scale items from other studies and tried to develop constructs applicable to handicraft products. The descriptive analysis through a quantitative cross-sectional consumer survey was applied along with cluster analysis for consumer market segmentation following the acceptance of certain types of innovations. Eight factors were discovered through EFA. The construct scores for authenticity innovation, packaging innovation, value-adding, product improvement, product design innovation, alternative/new materials, quality materials, and technological innovations were used in the cluster analysis. The results show that most consumers are open to accepting innovation in handicrafts. Particularly, consumers prefer those innovations that do not modify the traditional features and characteristics of products, such as authenticity, packaging, and quality-related innovations. However, consumers considered technological innovations as more skeptical. The comparison of socio-demographic profile of consumer segments with their acceptance of innovation indicates that the younger generation and well-educated consumers are more willing to accept innovation in handicraft products. Contrarily, the old-age consumers were unwilling to accept the innovation and prefer to purchase authentic and quality products. Additionally, as income increases, people like more authentic and quality products. This study focused on an emerging topic for handicraft industry, that is, innovation considered controversial, challenging, and received less attention from scholars in past. Further, this study is the first of its kind to explore the consumer acceptance of innovation in handicraft products.

ABSTRACT The handicraft industries are of great significance and economic value to many poor households but are still being neglected without enough support from the government and non-government institutions. The purpose of this research is to describe the experiences and insight of the crafter’s business activities in the Midlands, as well as the critical success factors towards innovation and development of the industry. This study argues that the handicraft entrepreneur needs to be innovative, explore and try new ideas towards the development and sustainability of the industry. The research objective is to identify the basic factors that affect the innovation and developmental needs of entrepreneurs operating handicraft enterprises. Quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used for conducting the study. The key finding indicates an urgent need for intervention for handicraft entrepreneurs towards innovation and sustainable development of the industry. Hence, handicraft producers need more support than ever if they are to continue to sustain their livelihood and remain more worthwhile, with the fluctuations in consumer buying trends and tastes, combined with declining tourist visits to handicraft markets.

… of two handicraft forms in Odisha and one handicraft form in … model of the creativity and innovation in the handicraft sector … creativity, which, in turn, influences innovation. We observed …

PurposeDespite their economic and cultural significance, the growth of handicraft micro firms is vulnerable, given their small size and resource limitations. By examining the impact of cooperation on firm performance via innovation capability, this study shows how micro firms can address constraints and achieve sustainable development by acquiring and utilizing external resources, complemented by innovation capability, through internal development.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 164 handicraft micro firms in Pakistan via a questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was employed to estimate interrelations of various constructs simultaneously and control measurement errors.FindingsThe impact of cooperation with customers and suppliers on firm performance via innovation capability was positive and significant. Contrarily, competitor cooperation did not significantly affect innovation capability. Furthermore, there was a positive and significant interaction effect of customer and competitor cooperation on innovation capability. Thus, micro firms must reinforce their customer and supplier relationships through innovation capability and internal transformation for sustainable development. Moreover, a balance must exist between cooperation and competition to achieve optimal innovation returns for the sustainable development of firms.Originality/valueThis study emphasized that micro firms must strengthen their customer and supplier relationships via innovation capability and internal development to achieve higher performance. Moreover, the study introduced a new dimension for measuring firm performance.

… , the population outflow appears and the business model cannot keep pace with the times, … With the development of the modern city and the demise of the traditional handicraft industry…

… Like many regions of Italy, Tuscany is characterized by handicraft excellence that has contributed significantly to the area's cultural and economic growth. Many of them, however, fail, …

The objective of this paper is to investigate a unique type of entrepreneurship in women handicraft entrepreneurs. Data were collected from six women handicraft entrepreneurs by using in-depth interviews. Born after the 1980s, they strive for survival in a highly competitive marketplace. They are all passion-driven entrepreneurs. They have to engage in other activities (ranging from teaching handicraft classes to working in another full-time job) to financially support and sustain their handicraft work. It was found that challenges include high rental rates in the city, long product development processes, small market sizes, and insufficient knowledge in digital marketing. Almost all of them are skillful, innovative, and passionate on the artistic side, but reactive and passive on the business side. Measures were suggested to empower such women entrepreneurs in view of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

ABSTRACT Technological innovation is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of small enterprises. However, the factors influencing its adoption in handicraft enterprises remain unknown. Therefore, this study explores the factors influencing small handicraft enterprises to adopt technological innovation and their impact on overall firm performance using data from 344 Pakistani small handicraft enterprises. Structural equation modelling was used for the data analysis. The results reveal that various factors such as artistic vision, resource constraints, and competition, among others, significantly and positively influence handicraft producers’ adoption of technological innovation. Furthermore, five distinct sources of innovation were identified as having a substantial influence on technological innovation. The findings also demonstrate that technological innovation significantly and positively affects the economic and cultural performance of enterprises. This study deepens our understanding of the different influencing factors and sources driving technological innovation in handicraft enterprises, suggesting that beyond customers’ needs or demands, many factors play crucial roles in influencing artisans to embrace technological innovation. In contrast to previous studies that reported customers, suppliers, or competitors as innovation sources, this study contributes to the literature by examining other sources, such as self-creativity and other artisans within the firm. Our findings have implications for theory and policy.

This research paper explores the integration of e-commerce and social media in the marketing of Jaipur's traditional handicrafts. The study investigates how these modern technological tools are being utilized to promote and sell handcrafted products, bridging the gap between centuries-old artisanal traditions and contemporary digital platforms. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, the research examines the impact of e-commerce and social media on sales, brand awareness, and the preservation of Jaipur's handicraft heritage. The findings reveal significant opportunities for artisans and businesses to expand their reach and enhance their marketing strategies, while also highlighting challenges in adopting and effectively utilizing these digital tools.

… in the field of e-commerce? (3) What issues related to Chinese crafts and e-commerce are the … - How does Chinese craftsmanship, often associated with tradition and cultural heritage, fit …

Traditional Thai craftsmanship is in danger of going extinct owing to the pressures of modern development. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to develop the e-commerce system of traditional Thai craftsmanship. The instruments research used for data gathering were in-depth interviews and questionnaire. The traditional SDLC was used for system development. The main results are summarized as follows: (1) The content of traditional Thai craftsmanship that has been registered as a national cultural heritage in 2009–2015 which can be developed into a creative economy consists of registration year, history, production, production area, special characteristics or identity, value and utility; (2) The developed e-commerce system is divided the work into 4 groups: non-member users, buyers, sellers and administrators to support comprehensive work. This system is considered as a way to help preserve the traditional craftsmanship of Thailand to be able to remain in Thai society.

The rapid expansion of the digital economy has significantly transformed traditional modes of trade and commerce, offering new avenues for the promotion of indigenous industries. In this context, the present study investigates the role of e-commerce in promoting Bastar handicrafts through a quantitative analytical framework. The primary objective is to examine the impact of e-commerce adoption on market reach and sales performance, as well as to analyze the challenges hindering its effective utilization among artisans.The study is based on primary data collected from 200 respondents, including artisans and handicraft vendors, using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing inferential tools such as the Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results reveal a statistically significant association between e-commerce adoption and enhanced sales performance (χ² = 77.00, p < 0.05), indicating that digital platforms substantially improve market accessibility and economic outcomes. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrates a moderate negative relationship (r = -0.52) between adoption and prevailing challenges, suggesting that factors such as limited technical knowledge, inadequate infrastructure, and logistical constraints impede the effective integration of e-commerce.The findings underscore the dualistic nature of e-commerce as both an enabler of economic growth and a domain constrained by structural barriers. The study concludes that while e-commerce possesses significant potential to enhance the visibility and sustainability of Bastar handicrafts, targeted interventions focusing on digital literacy, infrastructural development, and policy support are essential to ensure inclusive participation.

… (e-commerce) in the South African arts and crafts sector. The empirical evidence draws on 77 enterprise-level interviews. The research findings reveal that e-commerce … arts and crafts …

Handicraft MSMEs in Belitung Regency face challenges in adopting digital technology, even though their products have high cultural value. This study analyzes the use of e-commerce and social media by MSMEs to market their products and explores support that can increase digital capacity, such as digital literacy training and infrastructure improvements. The methods used include interviews with local handicraft MSME practitioners and a systematic review using PRISMA analysis. The results show that digitalization opens up opportunities to expand markets and increase income, but obstacles such as low digital literacy, limited internet connectivity, and global competition are still significant. Therefore, a strategy is needed that integrates the use of technology with increasing human resource capacity and infrastructure. These findings provide input for stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and policy makers to support the growth of handicraft MSMEs through sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.Keywords: Micro Small and Medium Enterprises; Handicrafts; E-commerce; Social media; Digital innovation. AbstrakUsaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) kerajinan tangan di Kabupaten Belitung menghadapi tantangan dalam mengadopsi teknologi digital, meskipun produk mereka memiliki nilai budaya tinggi. Penelitian ini menganalisis pemanfaatan e-commerce dan media sosial oleh UMKM untuk memasarkan produk serta mengeksplorasi dukungan yang dapat meningkatkan kapasitas digital, seperti pelatihan literasi digital dan perbaikan infrastruktur. Metode yang digunakan meliputi wawancara dengan pelaku UMKM lokal dan kajian sistematis menggunakan analisis PRISMA. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa digitalisasi membuka peluang memperluas pasar dan meningkatkan pendapatan, namun hambatan seperti rendahnya literasi digital, konektivitas internet yang terbatas, dan persaingan global masih signifikan, sehingga diperlukan strategi yang mengintegrasikan pemanfaatan teknologi dengan peningkatan kapasitas sumber daya manusia dan infrastruktur. Temuan penelitian ini memberikan masukan bagi pemangku kepentingan, pengusaha, dan pembuat kebijakan untuk mendukung pertumbuhan UMKM kerajinan tangan melalui transformasi digital yang berkelanjutan dan inklusif.Kata Kunci: Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah; Kerajinan Tangan; E-commerce; Media Sosial; Inovasi Digital.

… E-commerce has fundamentally transformed the promotion and sale of traditional crafts, … Considerations The integration of modern technology into traditional crafts presents several …

Digitalization is transforming communication and business processes, having significant impacts on the creative industries. The concepts of craft and design have undergone a paradigm shift as digital technologies converge the physical and digital worlds, and the interaction between crafters and designers embraces new venues for value creation in the post-industrial world. The design network that continues to exist in Istanbul is a unique case for a modern city, where designers collaborate with craftsmen to produce designed products without opening their ateliers. This paper aims to investigate the design and craft interaction in the digital era by exploring emergent business models in craft-based design enterprises and their competency needs. This qualitative study is based on ten in-depth interviews conducted with "designer-makers" and ecosystem stakeholders in the ceramic and glass sector in Istanbul. Each business model was analyzed utilizing the "Holistic Business Model" by Li (2020), explicitly developed for examining the digital transformation of business models in creative industries. The competency needs were determined following the ESCO (European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations) classification. The study indicates that certain enterprises successfully penetrate external markets through collaboration between designers and artisans, requiring them to speak a common language and acquire entrepreneurial competencies.

This study rethinks innovation diffusion in craft-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining how cultural logics and collective governance shape selective digitalization. Drawing on a qualitative case of Ata handicraft SMEs in Bali, Indonesia, the study analyzes in-depth interviews with artisans through the lens of Innovation Diffusion Theory. The findings reveal that digital technologies are not rejected but adopted selectively, mediated by Balinese Hindu philosophies such as Tri Hita Karana, Tat Twam Asi, and Segilik Seguluk Selunglung Sebayantaka, which emphasize balance, relational ethics, and communal solidarity. Rather than pursuing efficiency-driven digital adoption, artisans prioritize collective control, cultural continuity, and equitable value distribution. Digital tools function primarily as complementary mechanisms—supporting coordination, documentation, and market interaction—rather than as transformative drivers of organizational change. This study contributes theoretically by extending Innovation Diffusion Theory beyond linear adoption models, demonstrating how culturally grounded governance structures recalibrate the meaning and trajectory of digital innovation. More broadly, it offers insights for inclusive innovation discourse by showing how collective institutions enable SMEs to engage with digitalization while safeguarding cultural integrity and social sustainability.

… the effects of technology on artisanal enterprise, providing insights … discourse on the future of artisanal enterprise in a globalised, … This reframe provides new paths for scholarly research, …

Purpose The purpose of the current study is to examine how market orientation mediates the impact of business ties and cultural embeddedness of products on product innovation among Vietnamese artisan businesses. Design/methodology/approach The institutional logics perspective was applied to provide theoretical framework for hypotheses development and analysis of results. A sample of 214 artisan business owners in Northern Vietnam was created. Findings The findings of the current study revealed partial mediation effects of market orientation on the impact of business ties and cultural embeddedness of products on product innovation. On the one hand, the research findings showed that business ties have a direct positive impact on product while cultural embeddedness of products has a direct negative impact on product innovation. On the other hand, market orientation mediates the impacts of both business ties and cultural embeddedness on product innovation. Research limitations/implications This study did not consider the factors related to personal attributes (e.g. identity) as well as the broader context beyond the Northern Vietnam. Further, this study did not analyze how generational conflicts affect artisan innovation. That may limit the generalization of the research findings. Practical implications This paper offers recommendations for future research, government and managerial practices. Future studies can analyze how level of trust and the identity of business owners affect the extent to which firms innovate their products. Government can provide suitable support for the formation of business networks and culture-based groups to help artisan businesses address challenges facing their product innovation. Finally, artisan business owners can re-organize their business model to innovate product without encountering the resistance of cultural dimensions. Originality/value The application of the institutional logics helped further shed light on the impacts of business ties and cultural embeddedness on product innovation among artisan businesses. This field was often hidden in the existing literature under the cover of small businesses. The multilayered relationships between factors improved our understanding of organizational product innovation in a unique context of artisanship.

Despite the fact that the global handicraft business has enormous growth potential, Sri Lankan handicraft artisans are unable to benefit from it. Though there are numerous state and private actors in Sri Lanka's handicraft ecosystem, a fundamental issue that has led to this predicament is a lack of communication and collaboration among these organizations and stakeholders. More specifically, a lack of communication and collaboration among ecosystem actors impairs the ecosystem's resource flow, resulting in inefficiencies in crucial industry processes. To overcome current inefficiencies and make the craft ecosystem more productive and sustainable, digitalization has been recognized as a major option. This research was carried out with the goal of identifying inefficiencies in the Sri Lankan handicraft industry's supply chain and developing a resource flow model that could be used as the foundation during the process of digitalization of industry processes. Following a thorough study of the literature, data was gathered through interviews and surveys with key stakeholders. These unique data were analyzed to identify interconnections and resource flows, and a model reflecting the handicraft supply chain's information, knowledge, financial, products, and material resource transactions was developed with relevant validation procedures. This resource flow model might serve as the cornerstone for future digital transformation, allowing all actors in the handicraft ecosystem to connect digitally and eliminate inefficiencies through improved communication and collaboration.

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of various factors of business digitalization, such as digital procurement (DP), digital technology (DT), artificial intelligence (AI), digital social media (DSM), digital marketing and sales administration (DMA), on entrepreneurial growth (EG) in the handmade toy industry. This study also explores the mediating impact of managing the flow of the supply chain (MSC) between DSM and EG and the moderating impact of management with customers (RMC) on EG. In this study, researchers used a field survey method for data collection with a sample of 150 to validate the proposed hypothesis through convenience sampling from young handmade toy business owners from the State of Uttar Pradesh, India. For data analysis, this study used a partial least square (PLS)‐SEM tool to check the validity and reliability of the suggested model. The study findings prove entrepreneurial growth is much more affected by various factors of digitalization, such as DP, AI, DT, and DSM. These factors have a significant impact on entrepreneurial growth. This study investigates young entrepreneurs' (artisans') entrepreneurial leadership in marketing, supply, and production exploration as the role of AI, DT, DSM, and TM has remained unexplored. The results suggest that the top executives should work on identifying and developing various factors that can boost the entrepreneurial growth of the handmade toys industry. This study is unique because no study has been done on the impact of AI, DSM, and DT on the Indian handmade toys industry. This study used the Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), resource‐based view (RBV) and extended the digital capability perspective.

… influence of digitization and scanning, the context in which an artist-enterprise functions has … Very soon the Bohemian artist started looking for a path that would lead him to redemption, …

… Artisan entrepreneurs typically transform interests and passions into viable socio-economic enterprises. Additionally, particular academics observe that artisan enterprises are deeply …

Purpose:The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature available on the concepts of customisation and personalisation within the framework of digitised market structure. Being a customer-centric era, the research aims at analysing and evaluating the impact of these strategies on customer engagement and customer loyalty, considering the current trends, implications and challenges. The paper also delves into the role of Artificial intelligence and technological advancements in shaping branding strategies. Design/methodology/approach:The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method is used to critically evaluate the existing literature on personalisation and customisation in branding. The in-depth study of various relevant academic work provides a clear and holistic understanding of the topic. Findings:The digital era has revolutionised the approach and the experience that the companies are providing to the customers. Personalisation and customisation backed up with Artificial intelligence are playing a major role in increasing the customer satisfaction by providing tailored products and services. This ultimately impacts the customer connections and loyalty towards the brands in a positive way. Although a major challenge is the existence of privacy concerns due to personalisation. The marketers can overcome this by balancing this concern with the privatisation and standardisation. Practical implications:The marketers should utilise the consumers' demand with the help of customer interactions to effectively craft their branding strategies and increase customer engagement and loyalty.

This paper summarizes the main theoretical points within the scientific discussion on the issue of digitalization in Mass Customization concept and online Mass Customization frameworks. Origins of a stand-alone Mass Customization concept drawback to the second half of the 1990s, but major theoretical content changes and development have been identified in the last 2 decades. An intensive application of combined technology and management solutions, digital society and business transformations in the past decade has shifted the orientation of the concept to intangible products management, customer involvement and mutual value creation via frameworks in the online environment. The main purpose of the research is to reveal and present the role and impact of the digitalization sub-domain to the Mass Customization concept, its transition to the e-concept version and modelling of new combined online customization frameworks. The decision relevance of this scientific problem is multiple issues in transitions of practical organizations to the modern and mixed technological-management approach-based Mass Customization version as well as application limitations of existing online customization frameworks. The analysis of the research topic is carried out in the logical sequence. Firstly, the author presented the influence of the digitalization sub-domain to theoretical transformations of traditional Mass Customization concept. Then, a case study of the organizational transition to electronic Mass Customization and Personalization and online customization frameworks was conducted. Methodological tools and research methods used in the paper have been integrative literature review and narrative synthesis of qualitative findings of 53 articles, and a simplified Robinson conceptual modelling framework together with a c-tuple method for the simulation of new combined online customization frameworks. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that within last decade both practical and academic attention to sustainable and agile development of new, fully digital customized products and personalized services as well as flexible online customization frameworks and solutions significantly have increased. Furthermore, here the extent by 6 new online customization frameworks is offered next to 3 standard theoretical online customization frameworks, which became difficult to apply in the environment and preferences of modern e-business organizations and digital end-users. The results of the research can be useful for continuous scientific researches to test and validate 6 new online customization frameworks in a feedback loop part and evaluate the influence of these frameworks to a digital end-user behaviour, their role in frameworks and attitude aspects.

After mass production and then mass customization, the time is almost ripe for mass personalization. The goal is to offer unique products designed for the needs of each customer. However, production in larger series of products also has its advantages, and the promise of “lot size one” is still far from being the norm in several sectors of the economy. As a result of an action research project in a small household ceramic producer, this paper explores the potential of a hybrid strategy. Augmented digital engineering is adopted to (1) ensure customer participation along the entire product design lifecycle, (2) maintain the benefits of modularization and low cost, (3) minimize the waste of time and materials during product design, and (4) seek a minimum trade‐off between customer desires and engineering strategy. For theory, our work describes Industry 4.0 technology's role in achieving individual customer interaction and value co‐creation in hybrid strategies of mass customization and mass personalization. For practice, we present an example of technological architecture to implement augmented digital engineering in Industry 4.0, accessible to scenarios of hand‐intensive work and creative design processes.

Triggered by the rapid development of digital technology, Chinese clothing manufacturers have begun to provide digital customization for clothing. The digital transformation of clothing customization provides new opportunities to meet customers’ personalized needs and optimize production resources, and facilitates the sustainable development of the clothing customization industry. This study constructed dimensions of customer value in clothing customization, based on the development of the industry under digital technology. The research was divided into two phases: the first phase involved establishing customer value indicators through expert interviews, questionnaire design, and statistical analyses in SPSS; and the second stage involved the expert group conducting a consumer experience evaluation of a digital customization platform. Thirty customer value indicators were extracted and four dimensions were established: authenticity value, social value, aesthetic value, and utility value. The results of the study show that the value demands of Chinese consumers for apparel customization have shifted to perceptible authenticity values (service, experience, content). The four customer value dimensions proposed by this research can be used to evaluate customer value in digital customization consumption models.

Throughout history, cultural heritage has accumulated, and is often embodied in monuments, structures, and notable figures. Cultural heritage preservation and management also include digitalization, allowing tangible monuments to be managed as digital inventory with “digital twins”. This provides innovative ways to experience and interact with the real world, in particular by using modern mobile devices. The digitalization of monuments opens new ways to produce decorative items based on the shape of the monuments. Usually, decorative items are produced by craft businesses, family-run for generations, with specialized skills in metal and stone processing. We developed and tested a methodological proposal for frugal innovation: how to produce decorative items with minimal costs based on digital twins, which are particularly in demand in tourism-driven countries like Croatia. A micro-business with three employees, specializing in “metal art,” aims to innovate and expand by producing small-scale replicas of cultural heritage objects, such as busts, statues, monuments, or profiles. A method has been developed to create replicas in the desired material and at a desired scale, faithfully reproducing the original—whether based on a physical object, 3D model, or photograph. The results demonstrate that this sustainable frugal innovation can be successfully implemented using affordable tools and licenses.

The crafts sector, traditionally characterized by its adherence to heritage and small-scale familial enterprises, confronts an array of unprecedented challenges stemming from rapid technological advancement, globalization, climate change, and shifting demographics. This article presents a pioneering investigation into the profound and transformative effects of digitalization on the crafts sector, offering novel insights into the future trajectory of this industry. Through an explorative approach, we critically examine and interrogate the social imaginary underpinning the crafts sector, shedding light on the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation. Leveraging an inter- and transdisciplinary framework, our research brings together academics, experts, and practitioners from diverse regions in Italy and Austria to explore the nexus of digitalization and craft futures. We introduce three future scenarios for the crafts sector, each delineating varying degrees of digitalization and their potential implications. Employing a mixed-method approach encompassing expert interviews, a Delphi survey, focus groups, and scenario development, our study offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted landscape of craft futures. Furthermore, through the visualization of these scenarios, we provide a tangible platform for envisioning and engaging with the myriad possibilities that lie ahead. By synthesizing innovative methodologies from future studies and social imaginaries with a specific focus on the crafts sector, our research offers a robust analytical framework for navigating the complex dynamics of digitalization and envisioning transformative futures. This paper not only illuminates the disruptive forces unleashed by digitalization but also provides strategic insights to inform future decision-making processes within the crafts sector and beyond.

… out, “The digitization of ICHCs is a brand new, still small-scale … Traditional Crafts, providing technical support for the digitalization … the attractiveness and dissemination of heritage crafts. …

… that small-scale digital transformation and heritagesensitive … recreation of patterns in traditional crafts, such as embroidery … than attempting to make digitalization strategies uniform and …

The new background of The Times puts forward new requirements and inspirations for Jiangsu traditional handicraft culture. In the background, gradual decline of traditional handicraft culture was depicted. It is based on the double attributes of visibility and invisibility of visual design, combining Jiangsu traditional handicraft culture inheritance with modern visual aesthetics. It analyzes some representative cases of traditional handicraft cultural brands in China, explores the ways and means of creating traditional handicraft brands in the new era. The inheritance and innovation of traditional handicrafts in Jiangsu need to take advantage of the emerging visual platform, strengthen the visibility of traditional handicraft culture, and enhance the emotional sustenance with the public. By creating brand image, it is demanded to design innovative products and expand new media propaganda to revive local handicraft culture in Jiangsu region. This will play a certain role in promoting the inheritance and international development of traditional handicraft culture in Jiangsu and even the whole country.

… are small-scale and extensive operations, and the development of the entire craft industry is … the purpose of convenience and efficiency by digitizing and platforming the material and …

Portugal has a rich and diverse culture of artisanal arts and crafts, embodying significant symbolic and historical value. However, due to factors such as resource limitations, apathy from younger generations, and a growing incompatibility with the digital world, many age-old industrial techniques, traditions, and practices are ebbing away. In response, Anti-Amnesia, a design research intervention, intends to contribute to the revitalization of such artisanal heritage through leveraging digital technology as a means for dissemination and monetization. In particular, a component of the project is dedicated to the development of an online premise catering to the needs of the craft sector, including an embedded marketplace. This virtual market consists of a platform that functions as a commercial intermediary, where vendors are allotted a space and a set of tools to support publicity and sale of their products. This chapter discusses the feasibility of implementing the proposed output in relation to market research conducted and the inceptive outcomes accomplished.

Over the ages, every nation and civilization has accumulated its cultural heritage, primarily through figureheads such as monuments, structures, and famous individuals. Physical monuments have a unique significance. Digitalization has impacted nearly every aspect of the economy and society by providing a different perspective on the real world. An increasing number of processes are being digitalized as a result of mobile devices’ growing capabilities and declining costs. The preservation and maintenance of cultural heritage have also been embraced by digitalization, which facilitates the management of tangible monuments as inventory items. These “digital twins” have numerous applications once they have been generated. In this paper, we derive the product emergence process of decorative items based on digital twins, which are highly demanded in countries with strong tourism, such as Croatia. Most of these are craft businesses that have been managed for many generations by members of one extended family. The specific expertise is in the processing of stones and metals. A company that employs three people and creates “metal art” would like to grow by adding small-size replicas of any kind of cultural heritage object, such as busts, sculptures, monuments, or profiles. The technique of creating a replica from the desired material in the required scale (1–5) must be developed to replicate the original (physical object, 3D model, or photo). Market entry strategy should be also created, encompassing marketing and license sales to other companies. This paper explains how this intricate procedure was used in a pilot project by using low-cost tools and licenses.

… —and correspondingly, digitalisation—with the traditional … small-scale ventures and indigenous labels. Thereby, despite legitimately sharing Portugal’s industrial and cultural heritage, …

Lean Management is finding increasing application across various industries, and its potential role in artisanal businesses should not be overlooked. Implementing Lean principles in artisan companies has become a vital way to modernize operations and boost competitiveness. Understanding both the operational dynamics of an artisan business and the evolution of Lean practices is essential for successfully transitioning from a traditional artisanal model to a Lean one. This transformation within production units allows for process optimization, waste reduction, and improved efficiency. It serves as a strategic lever for the sustainable development of the sector while preserving the core values of craftsmanship.

This community service initiative addresses the critical need for employee agility among 27 tedung craftsmen in Mengwi, Badung, Bali, whose traditional skills are challenged by evolving market demands. Recognizing that demographic factors such as gender, age, education, and work experience significantly influence agility in these crafts, this project aimed to enhance adaptability through targeted empowerment and capacity-building workshops. The objective was to bolster the craftsmen’s responsiveness to market conditions, customer needs, and technological changes while fostering a community-wide model of cross-generational skill exchange. The methodology employed participatory action research, engaging craftsmen through structured workshops focusing on adaptability in customer interactions, agility in market responses, and digital skill acquisition. The community-based approach emphasized experiential learning and skill mentorship, allowing younger craftsmen to integrate traditional techniques with modern agile practices. Data was gathered through pre-test and post-test assessments, evaluating agility across ten dimensions, including responsiveness, innovation in management skills, and decision-making autonomy. The results demonstrated substantial improvements across all dimensions of workforce agility, with notable gains in customer responsiveness and adaptability to market fluctuations. Mean scores for agility indicators shifted significantly from pre-intervention levels, underscoring the effectiveness of community-centered training in enhancing adaptability. For instance, scores related to responsiveness to changing customer needs and market conditions doubled, indicating that craftsmen could better align their practices with consumer expectations and external market shifts. Additionally, cross-generational mentoring promoted the sharing of traditional skills alongside agile competencies, ensuring sustainability in the tedung craft sector. These findings highlight the potential of participatory training to bridge agility gaps in traditional communities, offering a replicable model for enhancing adaptability in other craftsmen sectors. The project’s success demonstrates that community-focused agility interventions can sustain traditional crafts by aligning them with contemporary market demands. Future initiatives could expand on this foundation by incorporating advanced technical training and exploring broader applications in diverse cultural settings, thus fostering resilience in traditional craftsmanship amid modern economic landscapes.

Although artisanal crafts and craftsmanship are in high demand globally, the benefits artisans receive are often negligible. The rules of the open market also make it difficult for them to …

… green skills across all business operations, sustainability remains a … Craftsmen represent a considerable workforce at national … to constantly adapt to the shifting business context. These …

The European fashion craftsmanship sector is renowned worldwide for its excellence and competitive value in producing tangible and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in creative practices and material artifacts.However, the competition of mass production at lower costs and the increasing jobs digitalization threatens the survival of fashion craftsmanship knowledge.In this context, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies could become a trigger to transform fashion craftsmanship by hybridizing workflows via new tools, gestures, and creative acts.Due to a technological and socio-cultural divide between the old and future generations of fashion craftspeople, new educational models are necessary to update the skills and imagination of future fashion professionals towards the revival of crafts ICH while accounting for holistic multidimensional sustainability.Therefore, the paper presents an interdisciplinary challenge-based learning experience conducted at Politecnico di Milano and University of Borås, combining a design and business management methodological approach to deliver Fashion-Tech proofs of concepts (covering product, service, process, and business model innovations).Delivered proofs of concepts demonstrate the potential of I4.0 technologies to preserve cultural diversity and local heritage, improve multiple dimensions of sustainability, and empower creativity and connectivity between different stakeholders.New products, services, processes, and business ecosystems of hybrid fashion craftsmanship can contribute to interdisciplinary learning spaces where different users/stakeholders connect and engage in co-creation and co-learning activities.Besides, the developed educational model can be applied to training fashion craftspeople 4.0.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies advance, traditional craftsmen face new challenges —to innovate using digital tools while preserving cultural authenticity and heritage knowledge. The &amp;quot;hybrid artisan,&amp;quot; who strategically integrates AI-based design tools with traditional craft, emerges as a response to this tension. This article addresses research questions on how integrating generative AI technologies into design processes influences: (1) artisans&amp;#039; productivity and product quality; (2) cultural authenticity and heritage preservation; (3) sustainable business models in creative entrepreneurship. The research methodology employs a convergent design with mixed methods, combining: (a) a systematic literature review (PRISMA 2020, n=33 articles, 2022-2025); (b) a qualitative survey (n=13 artisans, Romania; semi-structured questionnaire, 34 items). The literature review identifies three dominant human-AI collaboration models: task-level cooperation, process-level coordination, and system-level co-creation. Diffusion models (LoRA-fine-tuned) and GANs achieve cultural authenticity scores of 73-95%, while reducing design time by 30-70%. Empirical data reveal paradoxes: artisans value authentic creativity and sustainability (30.8% rate sustainability as &amp;quot;extremely important&amp;quot;), but adopt AI cautiously (46.2% unfamiliar with AI tools). Those using AI report 15-40% productivity gains without proportional sales increases, suggesting the market does not yet equally value AI-assisted crafts. The successful &amp;quot;hybrid artisan&amp;quot; model relies on collaborative rather than autonomous AI positioning, explicit cultural safeguards in system design, and transparent communication with consumers about AI involvement. This research provides a framework for policymakers and entrepreneurs integrating digital technologies while maintaining cultural integrity.

: Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are involved in recycling plastic waste to produce innovative products. These SMEs have adopted digital technologies, such as 3D printing and blockchain, to gain competitive advantage from their circular economy (CE)-based business models. However, the specific capabilities needed to create value for customers and to generate a competitive advantage for such SMEs are not known. In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with four SMEs engaged in the CE to identify the specific resources and capabilities needed to provide value to customers. Our findings reveal that SMEs focusing on circular economy initiatives demonstrate exploitation and adaptive capabilities in utilising their CE resources followed by exploration and adaptive capabilities while implementing digital technologies. Our study extends the resource-based view by combining it with ambidexterity to explain the role of specific circular and digital resources and capabilities that SMEs need to provide value to their customers.

The progress and the adoption of digital technologies can rapidly make products, processes, and business models obsolete, until disrupting entire markets. In this context, small–medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in manufacturing are especially challenged due to their limited resources and smallness liabilities. Firms can implement, design, and deliver new smart and connected products that change the way they compete and trigger the provision of services—until redesigning the entire business model. However, little knowledge is available on how SMEs may effectively trigger and catalyze such transition. Using an interpretative research approach inspired by the design research methodology, in this article, we explore how SMEs may leverage digital servitization to escape from a disrupted market. Based on our findings, an original digital servitization model tailored for SMEs is proposed. Finally, the study provides a set of research and managerial implications on how SMEs can overcome market disruption in the manufacturing context through digital servitization and business model innovation.

… , leads to one-dimensional product and service development, we argue that there are several … artisanal food, for example, is largely predicated on the willingness of artisanal businesses …

PurposeDigital innovation and circular business model innovation are two critical enablers of a circular economy. A wide variety of digital technologies such as blockchain, 3D printing, cyber-physical systems, or big data also diverges the applications of digital technologies in circular business models. Given heterogeneous attributes of circular business models and digital technologies, the selections of digital technologies and circular business models might be highly distinctive within and between sectorial contexts. This paper examines digital circular business models in the context of the fashion industry and its multiple actors. This industry as the world’s second polluting industry requires an urgent circular economy (CE) transition with less resource consumption, lower waste emissions and a more stable economy.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive, exploratory multiple-case study method is employed to investigate the ten cases of different sized fashion companies (i.e. large, small medium-sized firm (SME) and startup firms). The comparison across cases is conducted to understand fashion firms' distinct behaviours in adopting various digital circular economy strategies.FindingsThe paper presents three archetypes of digital-based circular business models in the fashion industry: the blockchain-based supply chain model, the service-based model and the pull demand-driven model. Besides incremental innovations, the radical business model and digital innovations as presented in the pull demand-driven model may be crucial to the fashion circular economy transition. The pull demand–driven model may shift the economy from scales to scopes, change the whole process of how the fashion items are forecasted, produced, and used, and reform consumer behaviours. The paths of adopting digital fashion circular business models are also different among large, SMEs and startup fashion firms.Practical implicationsThe study provides business managers with empirical insights on how circular business models (CBMs) should be chosen according to intrinsic business capacities, technological competences and CE strategies. The emerging trends of new fashion markets (e.g. rental, subscription) and consumers' sustainable awareness should be not be neglected. Moreover, besides adopting recycling and reuse strategies, large fashion incumbents consider collaborating with other technology suppliers and startup companies to incubate more radical innovations.Social implicationsAppropriate policies and regulations should be enacted to enable the digital CE transition. Market patterns and consumer acceptances are considered highly challenging to these digital fashion models. A balanced policy on both the demand and supply sides are suggested. The one-side policy may fail CBMs that entail an upside-down collaboration of both producers and consumers. Moreover, it is perhaps time to rethink how to reduce unnecessary new demand rather than repeatedly producing and recycling.Originality/valueThe pace of CE research is lagging far behind the accelerating environmental contamination by the fashion industry. The study aims to narrow the gap between theory and practice to harmonise fashion firms' orchestration and accelerate the transition of the fashion industry towards the CE. This study examines diverse types of digital technologies in different circular business models in a homogeneous context of the fashion industry with heterogeneous firm types.

[...]the notion of DT has indeed largely emerged to synthetically labelled all the effects and the impacts of such technologies on new business models, new products and services, new configurations of supply chains and operations, new forms of customer orientation, a new way of working (Boulton, 2018;Berger et al., 2019;Cennamo et al., 2020;Porter and Heppelmann, 2014, 2015;Raff et al., 2020;Svahn et al., 2017) and, more extensively, to define “how existing companies may need to transform themselves to succeed in the emerging digital world radically” (Nambisan et al., 2017, p. 1, citing McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2017;Rogers, 2016;Venkatraman, 2017). [...]the fundamental role that CCIs play in the entrepreneurial dynamics and their contribution to economic growth (Rodriguez-Gulias et al., 2018;Zhou et al., 2018) make this topic very relevant for the socio-economic development of territories (Smagina and Lindemanis, 2012). [...]at this critical juncture, this paper aims to stimulate a debate about the development of research capacity to address the above limitations and explicitly identify and analyse the emerging paths and experiences happening in entrepreneurship and DT in the CCIs context. [...]in recent years, particular attention has been provided to a better understanding of the entrepreneurial dynamics of these industries, often adopting a business model perspective (Schiuma and Lerro, 2017a, b).