New business and economic models in the connected digital economy

This paper discusses business models as a systemic phenomenon as opposed to traditional reductionistic approaches of business disciplines. It presents the ways connectivity change economic models due to the availability of consumption data as an economic resource, markets forming at consumption spaces, and how industries could disrupt one another when connected through consumption technologies. The paper further suggests that the challenges posed by connectivity results in the redrawing of traditional firm and market boundaries. It proposes for more research into modularity, transaction costs, the future role of the firm, and the necessary transformation of businesses to stay agile in a connected digital economy

Understanding smart contracts as a new option in transaction cost economics

Among different concepts associated with the term blockchain, smart contracts have been a prominent one, especially popularized by the Ethereum platform. In this study, we unpack this concept within the framework of Transaction Cost Economics (TCE). This institutional economics theory emphasizes the role of distinctive (private and public) contract law regimes in shaping firm boundaries. We propose that widespread adoption of the smart contract concept creates a new option in public contracting, which may give rise to a smart-contract-augmented contract law regime. We discuss tradeoffs involved in the attractiveness of the smart contract concept for firms and the resulting potential for change in firm boundaries. Based on our new conceptualization, we discuss potential roles the three branches of government – judicial, executive, and legislative – in enabling and using this new contract law regime. We conclude the paper by pointing out limitations of the TCE perspective and suggesting future research directions

Artificial Intelligence for the Financial Services Industry: What Challenges Organizations to Succeed?

As a research field, artificial intelligence (AI) exists for several years. More recently, technological breakthroughs, coupled with the fast availability of data, have brought AI closer to commercial use. Internet giants such as Google, Amazon, Apple or Facebook invest significantly into AI, thereby underlining its relevance for business models worldwide. For the highly data driven finance industry, AI is of intensive interest within pilot projects, still, few AI applications have been implemented so far. This study analyzes drivers and inhibitors of a successful AI application in the finance industry based on panel data comprising 22 semi-structured interviews with experts in AI in finance. As theoretical lens, we structured our results using the TOE framework. Guidelines for applying AI successfully reveal AI-specific role models and process competencies as crucial, before trained algorithms will have reached a quality level on which AI applications will operate without human intervention and moral concerns

Access space and digital outreach trainers case study

This paper evaluates a situation where two organisations, in the field of encouraging digital inclusion, targeted the same population with the same intent, but with different modes of engagement. This entailed reaching outward, making contacts with those to whom the benefits of the digital realm could make a significant difference to their lives. It was the aim of the Digital Outreach Trainers to enable the articulation of the tacit knowledge of that part of the population that was considered 'hard to reach'. Success would be deemed to be the number of challenged individuals who became learned as a consequence. The two ways in which this process was conducted is the subject of this paper

Theory borrowing in IT-rich contexts : lessons from IS strategy research

While indigenous theorizing in information systems has clear merits, theory borrowing will not, and should not, be eschewed given its appeal and usefulness. In this article, we aim at increasing our understanding of modifying of borrowed theories in IT-rich contexts. We present a framework in which we discuss how two recontextualization approaches of specification and distinction help with increasing the IT-richness of borrowed constructs and relationships. In doing so, we use several illustrative examples from information systems strategy. The framework can be used by researchers as a tool to explore the multitude of ways in which a theory from another discipline can yield the understanding of IT phenomena

Digitality and Diversity – Overcoming Barriers with Digital Transformation

As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, new transformation triggers1 are emerging – de facto at the same time – and are having a massive and presumably lasting impact on our everyday lives. Once again, digitization in business, science, education, private networks and public institutions is of particular importance. However, the focus of the interpretation of digitally based approaches is changing. For example, the focus is now on inclusive practices, sustainability and AI-based support systems, hybridity, and a fundamentally changing understanding of education. If we look around our world, we see that 2022 is nothing like the year the 2020 pandemic began. We already know how quickly our lives and work have been transformed into a hybrid socio-technical reality based on digital communication and collaboration – and are amazed that the sometimes desired ‘role backwards’ is stuck in the approach. In its 25th year, the GeNeMe community, which is in itself as alerte as it is actionoriented, sees itself challenged to deal competently with this dynamic. The goal is to discuss the perspectives from research, education and operational application, which are represented here in an integrated way, and to jointly derive viable explanations, but also intervention approaches, and to present them to the interested public. The 2022 anniversary conference will also be about infrastructures (in education), work organization and support systems, public spaces with online presence, and situated collaboration, not only in industry. More than ever, we are aware of the value of diversity and are beginning to recognize the helpful function of digitality in dealing with it: it is precisely with digital transformation that barriers can be overcome. [From: Introduction

Connectivism: Its place in theory-informed research and innovation in technology-enabled learning

The sociotechnical context for learning and education is dynamic and makes great demands on those trying to seize the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. The goal of this paper is to explore certain theories for our plans and actions in technology-enabled learning. Although presented as a successor to previous learning theories, connectivism alone is insufficient to inform learning and its support by technology in an internetworked world. However, because of its presence in massive open online courses (MOOCs), connectivism is influential in the practice of those who take these courses and who wish to apply it in teaching and learning. Thus connectivism is perceived as relevant by its practitioners but as lacking in rigour by its critics. Five scenarios of change are presented with frameworks of different theories to explore the variety of approaches educators can take in the contexts for change and their associated research/evaluation. I argue that the choice of which theories to use depends on the scope and purposes of the intervention, the funding available to resource the research/evaluation, and the experience and philosophical stances of the researchers/practitioners

The World Trade Organization in times of digital trade Addressing digital protectionism?

Màster Oficial d'Internacionalització, Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, Universitat de Barcelona, Curs: 2017-2018, Tutor: Xavier Fernández PonsDigital transformation is affecting more and more industries, changing existing trade in goods and services, and creating a new, digital trade. Baldwin (2016) calls it the 4th phase of globalization, the second unbundling, driven by the information and computer technology (ICT) revolution. The speed of this transformation is faster than other disruptive changes in the past and digital trade is becoming an important part of international trade. At the same time, the international trade sphere is experiencing a severe crisis, with barriers to classical trade in goods rising and a trade war between China, the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) imminent. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the multilateral organization that has dealt with rules for international trade for decades, ensuring trade flows to be as free and predictable as possible. Now, the organization seems to be paralyzed, not knowing how to respond to the new, protectionist, realities in international trade. In March 2018, German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted in her government declaration that “digitalization and protectionism are two opponent poles that in our understanding do not go well with each other. This is actually why the 21st century is the century of multilateral solutions and multilateral institutions. This is especially the case with regard to trade.