Purpose

The paper refers to the framework of ambidexterity to explain the strategic paths of manufacturing SMEs in turbulent times, by investigating SMEs' strategic reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted an inductive approach methodology. Using a qualitative research method, Italian manufacturing SMEs in different industries were interviewed to outline how they have faced the negative effects of the COVID-19 by considering the strategies implemented during the pandemic.

Findings

The study identifies three ambidextrous strategies for manufacturing SMEs to positively overcome the COVID-19 crisis: (1) playing different roles within the same market (business-to-business and business-to-consumer) simultaneously, (2) simultaneous entrance and management of multiple markets and (3) exploiting manufacturing knowledge for exploring product and business model innovation (simultaneous learning processes).

Research limitations/implications

Results enrich the theoretical discussion on ambidexterity and SMEs, by stressing the strategic dimension of ambidexterity and including a more fine-grained analysis of the different firm’ strategic paths in times of crisis.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical suggestions for manufacturing SMEs on how they can react during turbulent times and crises by implementing ambidextrous strategies also thanks to the use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to outlining the conditions for SMEs' resilience in the international competitive context by highlighting the perspective of ambidexterity based on the analysis of multiple case studies from manufacturing industries.

中文翻译：

---

动荡时期的双元策略：COVID-19 大流行期间制造型中小企业的经验

目的

本文通过调查中小企业对 COVID-19 大流行的战略反应，引用双元性框架来解释动荡时期制造业中小企业的战略路径。

设计/方法/途径

作者采用了归纳法方法。使用定性研究方法，采访了不同行业的意大利制造业中小企业，通过考虑大流行期间实施的战略，概述了他们如何面对 COVID-19 的负面影响。

发现

该研究确定了制造型中小企业积极克服 COVID-19 危机的三种双元战略：(1) 在同一市场（企业对企业和企业对消费者）中同时扮演不同角色，(2) 同时进入和管理多个市场，以及 (3) 利用制造知识探索产品和商业模式创新（同步学习过程）。

研究局限性/影响

结果通过强调双元性的战略维度并包括对危机时期不同公司战略路径的更细粒度分析，丰富了关于双元性和中小企业的理论讨论。

实际影响

该白皮书为制造型中小企业提供了实用建议，帮助它们了解在动荡时期和危机期间如何通过实施双元战略来应对，这要归功于数字技术的使用。

原创性/价值

本文基于对制造业多个案例研究的分析，强调双元性的观点，有助于概述中小企业在国际竞争环境中的复原力条件。