Spending on IT continues to show long-term growth throughout the economy, reflecting an apparent belief in the economic benefits of IT. However, we also see organizations struggle in practice to demonstrate such benefits. Conventional thinking suggests that individual organizations can improve their performance in this area through better financial analysis of opportunities. But does this characterization of the solution reflect the real problem? Is there more value that can be achieved through IT at a macro level or are we simply seeing market competition with winners and losers? And will better understanding of the detailed financial consequences of IT systems enable businesses to improve decisions and achieve greater returns? This 2009 ICIS panel session reflected on the literature on IT value over the last thirty years, the future direction of research and the relationship between research and the needs of business in this area
