“…ITCs functions may be synthesized as: outsourcing relationships (Han et al, 2008), to improve inter-firm relationships, reduce costs, access to skilled people etc. (Cheng et al, 2009;Zhao et al, 2017;Saraf et al, 2007) and achieve superior market knowledge and value (Han et al, 2011); innovation, since they facilitate the development of NPD projects particularly in turbulent environments, where it is necessary to be flexible in responding to market changes, and adapting to new market requirements (Devece et al, 2017;Lu et al, 2011); e-maintenance (Campos, 2016), which concerns the usage of technologies for organizational purposes, to improve firm's competitive positioning (Doherty & Terry, 2009) in the marketplace.…”