Manufacturing process innovation (MPI) represents a comprehensive organizational initiative aimed at fundamentally redesigning manufacturing processes and systems to achieve significant enhancements in key performance metrics. This encompasses a variety of activities, with some MPI efforts concentrating on technological advancements, while others seek to transform work processes and the behavioral routines within organizations. Certain organizations may implement new technological solutions or methodologies that are readily available in the market, whereas others might create and integrate innovative technologies or organizational practices that push the boundaries of current standards. The varying emphases of MPI initiatives necessitate distinct strategies and prerequisites to realize the intended results. Despite its importance, MPI has often been categorized as a singular form of innovation in academic literature, with limited further classification. The foundational strategic directions regarding the types of MPI applicable to specific organizations are also examined. A literature review across diverse research domains, including manufacturing strategy, process innovation, organizational innovation, innovation typology, and new product development, has led to the identification of four distinct types of MPI. MPI Type I (structural – locally innovative): This type primarily aims to implement fundamental changes in structural aspects. It predominantly involves the adoption of externally available solutions. An example of this would be enhancing factory automation through the integration of commercially available technologies. MPI Type II (infrastructural – locally innovative): The focus here is on initiating essential changes within the infrastructure. Similar to Type I, this type mainly entails the adoption of externally sourced solutions. A common illustration is the implementation of comprehensive improvement frameworks such as Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.

 

MPI Type III (Structural – Radically Innovative): Significant modifications take place within the structural domain, incorporating cutting-edge solutions into factory operations. A prime example of this type is the implementation of advanced automation systems that are being developed and utilized in manufacturing environments. MPI Type IV (Infrastructural – Radically Innovative): Fundamental transformations occur in the infrastructural domain, with the introduction of state-of-the-art solutions within a factory setting. This type encompasses the creation and application of innovative work processes, production flows, or other distinctive solutions pertinent to the infrastructure of the factory.