An Agile Approach to Distributed Network Orchestrationan Agile Approach to Distributed Network Orchestration

Abstract

This study investigates the outcomes of an agile approach to distributed network orchestration. Existing literature mainly focuses on centralized orchestration and capability development within firms. However, in case of power symmetry between network actors, orchestration responsibilities are distributed and requires capability development between firms. Drawing on action research, this paper presents results from a Dutch network which developed a new solution for obsolete spare parts in the railroad sector. Within this case, several agile-based interventions were made to address emerging collaboration issues. The findings in this paper suggest that agile practices influence the building of actor bonds, development of activity patterns, utilization of resource constellations and collective sensemaking. We are, to the best of our knowledge, the first to demonstrate that an agile approach contributes to network orchestration. Also, this research shows that orchestration capabilities are developed between firms instead of within firms. Agile practices provide a framework that shapes interaction patterns and facilitate capability development between firms. As such, agile practices can be considered  micro-foundations for developing network orchestration capabilities between actors.

Keywords: Strategic network, network orchestration, orchestration capabilities, inter-organization collaboration, agile