What the study found
The study found that robotic process automation, or RPA, is not just a lightweight automation tool that organizations can adopt easily. Instead, its implementation requires strategic planning, organizational commitment, and several supporting conditions.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that organizations should move beyond simplistic narratives of RPA adoption and recognize the many conditions that shape whether it succeeds. The study suggests this is important for organizations trying to prepare for the technical, organizational, and strategic demands of process automation.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a systematic literature review using PRISMA and Kitchenham guidelines. They used the TOE framework, which looks at technological, organizational, and environmental factors, to identify organizational challenges to RPA implementation and to derive conditions for adoption.
What worked and what didn't
The review identified 12 organizational challenges to RPA implementation and 7 sequential technical, organizational, and strategic conditions for successful adoption. It also found four key insights: RPA implementation demands deep technical knowledge of both RPA tools and existing digital infrastructure, requires specific organizational and process-related capabilities, involves multiple actors with distinct roles across pre- and post-implementation phases, and depends on clear policies and governance strategies.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe experimental testing or quantitative comparison; it summarizes findings from a literature review. The authors also note research gaps, including governance frameworks, matching automation technologies to process types, hybrid human-automation solutions, and the role of RPA enthusiasts.
Key points
- RPA is presented as more complex to implement than a simple, easy-to-implement solution.
- The review identified 12 organizational challenges to RPA implementation.
- The authors derived 7 sequential technical, organizational, and strategic conditions for successful adoption.
- Successful RPA use requires knowledge of both the tools and the existing digital infrastructure.
- The abstract says clear policies and governance strategies are needed.
- The authors identify several research gaps, including governance frameworks and hybrid human-automation solutions.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- RPA adoption requires technical, organizational, and strategic conditions
- Authors:
- Duc-Minh-Quan Huynh, Ida Lindgren
- Institutions:
- European Corporate Governance Institute, KU Leuven, Linköping University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-31
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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