Robotic Process Automation through Resource-Based View theory perspective: IS Resources and AI Capabilities creating Competitive Advantages and leveraging AI Strategy

Abstract

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabling technologies have been associated with great sources of competitive advantage. Among such technologies, current Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is considered one of the most promising Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation strategies. On one hand, we argue that the so far limited academic research on the literature sees RPA as an important tool at the tactical and operational levels. On the other hand, the literature has not properly considered the strategic contribution of RPA in terms of competitive advantages. Through Resource-Based View (RBV) lens, RPA can be seen as a tool that can change, integrate and improve groups of Resources, creating AI capabilities and generating competitive advantages. To date, we did not find any study approaching RPA through the RBV perspective. Also, this article contribuites in four important points. First by building a new Conceptual Framework which supports organizations to create an AI strategy by implementing RPA technology. Second, our RBV analysis showed that, to create an AI strategy, you must have AI capabilities. Third, RPA techinoly can change, expand and better articulate IS infrastructure creating competitive advantages for organizations. Finaly, it shows the best way to initiate AI capabilities is to start by implementing RPA technology. Complementing the purpose of this research, all contributions were achieved through the application of a Systematic Literature Review, combining bibliometric and content analysis, with the aim of connecting the two bodies of literature.