Digital x-Charting a Path for Digital-Themed Research

• 成果类型: Editorial Material
• 署名作者: Baiyere, Abayomi; Grover, Varun; Lyytinen, Kalle J.; Woerner, Stephanie; Gupta, Alok
• 署名单位: Copenhagen Business School; Queens University - Canada; University of Arkansas System; University of Arkansas Fayetteville; University System of Ohio; Case Western Reserve University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); University of Minnesota System; University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• 刊物名称: INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1047-7047
• DOI: 10.1287/isre.2022.1186
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 463-486
• 关键词: information-technology; next-generation; TRANSFORMATION; INNOVATION; strategy; entrepreneurship; infrastructures; discipline

摘要

As of late, the use of digital as a qualifier to established research concepts is increasing. However, we have yet to clearly establish what makes a digital x concept distinct from an IT x concept when x stands for well-established concepts such as strategy, infrastructure, innovation, or transformation, among others. In this paper, we review the need for, and merit of, labeling focal concepts in our field as digital x in contrast to using the dominant, incumbent label of IT x. We position the shift as a call to attend to new salient features that characterize contemporary settings of information technology use and its effects. Recognizing this need, we develop guidelines for future research by arguing what novel phenomena the label of digital x foregrounds and howinsights gained through such foregrounding contribute to scholarship in ways that the term IT x does not. By doing so, this paper promotes clarity for the use of the digital x concepts and introduces explicit guidelines to delineate between the nascent stream of digital x research and established modes of IT x research. We hope that the essay helps information systems scholars and scholars in neighboring disciplines attending to digital phenomena identify novel research opportunities grounded on sound conceptual foundations that will foster cumulative generation of knowledge around digital x.