Research Framework of Integrative Action

Higher education institutions are traditionally seen as producers of new knowledge and technology. However, a change is taking place as cooperation in value networks, co-created service innovations, the contributions of lead innovations and regional development that impacts on social and global improvements have become more important for the development of new knowledge and technology. The objective of integrative action is to continuously integrate the three statutory tasks of the universities of the applied sciences: education; research and development; and regional development (third task). The objective of this design research study is to utilize research within integrative action from the perspectives of design science, design science research, action research, service design, and foster a proactive approach that supports creativity and innovations that have relevance and rigor in knowledge creation and action. The paper’s main presentation is the use of conceptual and physical creations and value-based design in IS research and practice.