Focal Interest
Focal Interest
AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: MODERATE — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

RPA implementation needs planning, governance, and organizational commitment

A man in a blue jacket writes on sticky notes arranged on a white wall while viewing them, appearing to engage in collaborative planning or brainstorming in an office setting.
Photo by QArea Inc. on Unsplash · Unsplash License
Research area:EngineeringRobotic Process Automation ApplicationsAutomation

What the study found

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) implementation is more complex than a simple, lightweight automation solution. The authors identify technical, organizational, and strategic conditions that need to be in place for RPA to succeed.

Why the authors say this matters

The study suggests that organizations should not rely on simplistic narratives about RPA adoption. The authors conclude that recognizing the multiple conditions involved can help organizations better prepare for the technical, organizational, and strategic demands of process automation.

What the researchers tested

The researchers conducted a systematic literature review using PRISMA and Kitchenham guidelines. They used the TOE framework, which considers technology, organization, and environment, to identify organizational challenges and conditions for RPA implementation.

What worked and what didn't

The review identified 12 organizational challenges to RPA implementation and 7 sequential conditions for successful adoption. The abstract highlights four key insights: RPA needs deep technical knowledge of both the tools and existing digital infrastructure; it requires specific organizational and process-related capabilities; it involves multiple actors in pre- and post-implementation phases; and it depends on clear policies and governance strategies.

What to keep in mind

The abstract says the review also identifies research gaps, including governance frameworks, matching automation technologies to different process types, supporting hybrid human-automation solutions, and the role of RPA enthusiasts. Limitations are not otherwise described in the available summary.

Key points

  • The authors say RPA implementation is more complex than it is often portrayed.
  • The review identified 12 organizational challenges to RPA implementation.
  • The authors derived 7 sequential conditions for successful RPA adoption.
  • Four highlighted requirements were technical knowledge, organizational and process capabilities, multiple actor roles, and governance strategies.
  • The abstract notes research gaps in governance frameworks, process-type fit, hybrid human-automation solutions, and RPA enthusiasts.

Disclosure

Research title:
RPA implementation needs planning, governance, and organizational commitment
Publication date:
2026-03-31
DOI:
10.1007/s10257-026-00721-0
OpenAlex record:
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Image credit:
Photo by QArea Inc. on Unsplash · Unsplash License
AI provenance: AI provenance information is not available for this post.

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