In this paper, the authors will advocate the addition of actor-network theory to the qualitative research traditions presently used in information systems. We will contend that actor-network theory can be especially useful when studying the implementation of information systems and in other situations involving technological innovation. The paper describes actor-network theory, an approach orig...

Is market-based or bank-based financial system better for fostering technological innovation as an engine of growth? I present evidence that bank-based systems promote rapid technological progress in those industrial sectors that depend heavily on external finance for funding innovation by facilitating credit access to younger firms. On the other hand, I also find evidence of a general positive...

In light of the increasing importance of social innovation, this study looks at the theoretical concepts, areas of empirical research and observable trends in the field of social innovation. This trend study starts with an overview of the current situation and the perspectives of socio-scientific innovation research that have greatly contributed to the development and spread of an enlightened s...

Information systems pervade everyday life and their transformative impact on organizations is increasing. Recent studies in IS field are particularly interested in the relationship between technological platforms and innovation. However, the broad variety of studies provides different perspectives on platforms and their impact on innovation. These differences result in divergent knowledge in th...

In order to catch up with the technological frontier, firms, especially in developing countries, try to acquire technological advancement through internal R&D efforts as well as through external technology sourcing activities. This study tests the existence of a complementarity between in-house R&D and external technology acquisition in Chinese manufacturing firms. We show that the two sources ...

Two asynchronous conferencing systems were used in subsequent years in a management skills course. These systems had comparable technological features but were not equally effective in supporting the course. This paper examines differences in the systems and their deployment that led to the success of one and the failure of the other. Data from student surveys show differences in user behaviors...

Technological innovation is frequently a means for reducing uncertainty in organizational activities. At the same time, uncertainty also arises about the potential consequences of introducing the innovation. Innovation involving complex new information systems (IS) often carries uncertainty about consequences, particularly when goals or expectations are unclear. Previous research has reinforced...

The central research question in this paper is: what is the relationship between the economic performance of the firm and (i) strategies of being a technological leader versus a technological follower, and (ii) strategies of established technological coherence versus novelty in technological combination? We present a quantitative investigation that enables us to formulate some empirically groun...

and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication data Technological innovation as an evolutionary process / edited by John Ziman on behalf of the Epistemolo...