Information Technology & People

Time for a “design turn” in IS innovation research? A practice report from the home front : Table of Contents

David Wastell, Juergen Sauer, Claudia Schmeink — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – In contrast to the behavioural paradigm of IS research, design science seeks to develop a body of practically-oriented knowledge which will directly aid the design, implementation, and use of information technologies and systems. Design science, however, remains a minority practice. The purpose of this paper is to argue the case for its more widespread adoption, especially so in research on innovation. Design/methodology/approach – To this end, the authors report an example of design science in action. Two experiments are reported, both concerning the design of the user interface for domestic heating systems. Of note is the use of a medium-fidelity laboratory simulation (“microworld”) in this work. Findings – Two specific substantive findings results. First that ecologically designed feedback, embodying a strong mapping between task goals and system status, produces superior task performance. Second, that predictive decision aids provide clear benefits over other forms of user support, such as advisory systems. Practical implications – Whilst arguing the general case for design science, the study shows that there are formidable barriers to its wider promulgation. These include the challenges of constructing realistic meta-artefacts, compounded by the complex, modal and uncertain nature of design theory itself. The practical value of the microworld paradigm is also confirmed. Originality/value – Although research in this field has largely addressed the workplace, here the paper addresses the domestic realm. Further novelty derives from the use of the microworld approach. The argument that design science should draw more on the proven methods of “good design” (e.g. prototyping, user participation) in terms of its own praxis is also noteworthy.

Standardization as open innovation: two cases from the mobile industry : Table of Contents

Endre Grøtnes — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to introduce standardization as a neutral arena for open innovation. The aim is to show that different policies towards open membership in standardization initiatives lead to different open innovation processes. Design/methodology/approach – Two cases are used to illustrate the differences in open innovation processes. The cases are the Android mobile operating system and the service platform developed by the Open Mobile Alliance. The core process types introduced by Gassmann and Enkel are used to show the different open innovation approaches. Findings – Both cases use open innovation to create standards. Open membership leads to a coupled process, while a more restricted membership gives separate inside-out and outside-in processes. The case lead by established firms in the industry has a process where radical innovations are introduced early in the process, while the case lead by newcomers has a process where radical innovations are introduced late in the process. The two cases have different approaches towards commercialization of the products. Android relies on third-party developers, while the Open Mobile Alliance relies on their own members. Research limitations/implications – The cases are from the telecommunication sector and based on standardization of large technical platforms. The findings might not be the same for other sectors. Originality/value – The paper establishes open innovation as a neutral arena for open innovation outside the domain of any single firm. It shows how the openness towards membership influences the choice of open innovation processes.

Crossing the diffusion chasm: from invention to penetration of a telehealth innovation : Table of Contents

Sunyoung Cho, Lars Mathiassen, Michael Gallivan — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help explain the paradox between the high potential of telehealth innovations and their slow diffusion by investigating the challenges involved in a successful case. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a longitudinal study of a telestroke program from 2003-2007 seen from the point-of-view of the inventors. The program was initially used by a network of hospitals; it faced several challenges when the inventors sought to diffuse it to a broader marketplace; but, the inventors eventually succeeded to create a viable technology and business model. Findings – The authors offer a process model of this telehealth innovation consisting of four phases: invention, pilot test, commercialization, and penetration – with each phase demarcated by specific actors and activities. In addition, a chasm between the pilot test within a network of hospitals and the subsequent commercialization of a product aimed for the market is identified. Finally, the authors reveal how key actors negotiated the chasm to successfully diffuse the innovation beyond the initial hospital setting. Originality/value – The paper offers two contributions. First, it contributes a new model of IT-enabled innovation processes seen from the inventor's perspective and emphasizing the diffusion chasm as a key challenge. Second, it contributes a longitudinal, in-depth analysis of a telehealth innovation from initial invention to successful market penetration.

Institutionalising information asymmetry: governance structures for open innovation : Table of Contents

Joseph Feller, Patrick Finnegan, Jeremy Hayes, Philip O'Reilly — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the ways in which firms utilise hierarchical relationships and the market system to supply and acquire intellectual property (IP) and/or innovation capabilities from sources external to the firm. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct a field study to explore emerging governance structures for open innovation, using multiple data sources including documents (e.g. white papers) and interviews published by the firms studied, analysis of the firms' web-based systems (where applicable), secondary content (e.g. news articles) and elite interviews with key personnel. Findings – The analysis of seven exemplars of open innovation reveals that inter-organisational relationships that facilitate open innovation can be categorised based on whether they are mediated or direct, and seek to exchange intellectual property or innovation capability. Using this categorisation, the authors present an analysis that reveals four governance structures along ten dimensions, and discuss the influence of knowledge dispersion, uncertainty and transaction costs on the emergence of such structures. The authors conclude that the appropriateness of hierarchical/market relationships or intermediaries to source IP and/or innovation capability is dependent on the information asymmetry in relation to the existence and availability of potential solutions/solvers; the suitability of potential innovation partners (solution providers and solvers); and the acquisition process for external innovations (including problem specification, solution evaluation, transfer, etc.). Research limitations/implications – The research is exploratory in nature, and designed to serve as a foundation for future research efforts. In particular, the work highlights the need for research that takes an inter-organisational perspective on facilitating open innovation. Practical implications – The research highlights the prominence of information asymmetry as a key issue in choosing and designing appropriate governance structures for open innovation. Originality/value – The paper presents an exploratory study of an emerging, and consequently under-researched phenomenon.

Cooperative design efforts for the development of complex IT-artefacts : Table of Contents

Diego Ponte, Alessandro Rossi, Marco Zamarian — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper contributes to the debate on the relationship between IT-artefacts and organisational structuration by describing the dynamics surrounding the collaborative development of an innovative electronic metering system. The aim of the paper is to address a clear gap in the current literature on collaborative IT-artefacts design, as cooperation at early design stages has barely been analysed. This work tries to understand whether and to what extent the design of an IT-artefact is driven by the interests of a number of heterogeneous actors and how these are able to affect the artefact's evolution. Design/methodology/approach – The research relies on a case study analysis, which focuses on a consortium of heterogeneous actors (firms, the public sector, research institutes) working within the green energy industry. The research focuses on a workgroup attempting to develop an innovative IT-artefact: an electronic metering system. Findings – The main results emerging from the field study are: the relevance of each actor's interests as a prevalent rationale for explaining the technical features of the IT-artefact; the role of negotiation and consensus in determining the final shape of the IT-artefact in terms of its features; and the bundling/unbundling of IT-artefact features as a result of changes in the alignment of actors. Research limitations/implications – The research presents two clear limitations. First, the activities of the workgroup are still ongoing thus limiting some of the insights one may draw from the case study. Second, the analysis is carried out on a single case study. Further analysis should be done to increase consistency and validity of the findings. Practical implications – Findings indicate that in an open and collaborative environment, the conceptualisation and evolution of an IT-artefact are influenced more by the political agendas of the various actors rather than by pure technical problems and concerns. The practical implications thus are that every attempt to manage such a collaborative effort must seriously take into consideration these aspects. Originality/value – Starting from the recognition that little research has been conducted on the factors influencing cooperative IT-artefact design, this paper sheds new light on how these factors influence such cooperative activity. The authors believe that this kind of work helps lay some foundations for general models attempting to explain cooperative innovation processes such as the open innovation model.