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Managing paradoxical tensions in the implementation of Explainable AI for product innovation

Amarilli, Fabrizio orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-6307-8353, Uboldi, Sara, Saraceni, Francesca and Tencati, Lorenzo (2025) Managing paradoxical tensions in the implementation of Explainable AI for product innovation. In: 2025 33rd International Conference on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (WETICE), 23-25 July 2025, Catania, Italy.

Abstract
This study examines how organizations manage tensions that arise during the implementation of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in product innovation. While XAI has advanced technically, its impact on organizational routines, human interpretation of algorithmic outputs, and human-AI dynamics remains underexplored. Drawing on a qualitative case study of a global confectionery firm, we analyze the introduction of an XAI solution using participatory action research and paradox theory. We identify four persistent tensions: automation vs. human judgment, transparency vs. complexity, speed vs. accuracy, and standardization vs. customization. Rather than resolving these conflicts, the organization navigated them through both/and strategies that enabled human-AI collaboration. The findings extend paradox theory to XAI-driven innovation and contribute to digital transformation literature by showing how explainability supports knowledge articulation, learning, and adoption. The study also offers practical guidance for designing XAI systems that complement human expertise in complex innovation settings.
Metadata
Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Event Type:Conference
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Product innovation, explainable AI, paradoxical tensions
Subjects:Business > Marketing
Computer Science > Artificial intelligence
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > DCU Business School
Published in: Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (WETICE). . IEEE.
Publisher:IEEE
Official URL:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1109...
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:32798
Deposited On:29 Jun 2026 08:59 by Tam Nguyen . Last Modified 29 Jun 2026 08:59
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