How crisis innovation, due to COVID-19, has shaped the development and the organisation of Belgian companies?

Details

Supervisors

Belleflamme, Paul

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée
Master [120] en sciences de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enThis research examines the role played by the COVID-19 pandemic in transforming innovation strategies and organisational structures in Belgian companies. Although health crises are often viewed as drivers of disruption, this research evaluates their ability to promote frugal, exaptive, and structural innovations. The investigation uses a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review with qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys collected from key sectors in Belgium, namely health, technology, and manufacturing. The findings indicate that most of the innovations that emerged during the pandemic reflected responses to immediate operational needs and resource shortfalls. However, in many cases, such short-term fixes triggered deeper structural changes, especially when supported by decentralised decision-making, adaptive leadership, and the use of digital technologies. Informal organisational structures and cooperative networks proved more effective than strict crisis management solutions, with applications like Microsoft Teams and Google Drive becoming critical to sustaining communication and workflow continuity. Yet, the sustainability of these innovations in the post-crisis period was highly varied. Some organisations integrated new practices as part of their long-term operations, while others reverted to their pre-crisis habits. This research contributes to the existing literature on organisational resilience by focusing on the largely overlooked Belgian context. It also offers practical insights for business leaders as well as policymakers aiming to increase preparedness for emergencies. Finally, the research shows that while crises can serve as drivers of innovation, their sustained impact hinges on an organisation’s ability to institutionalise acquired knowledge.