Exploring Explorative BPM : Setting the Ground for Future Research

Recent claims in the literature highlight that BPM should become more explorative and opportunity-driven. The underlying argument is that BPM has been mainly concerned with exploitation activities – i.e., analysis and improvement of existing business processes – but it has neglected the role of innovation. In this conceptual article, we aim to establish a systematic understanding of what explorative BPM is and how it can be brought about. We pursue three goals. First, we derive an overarching definition of explorative BPM. Second, we propose the “triple diamond model” as a means to integrate explorative BPM activities in business process work. Third, we point to future research opportunities in the context of explorative BPM.