The ICIS 2009 Call for Papers states that “[o]ur discipline faces an unprecedented challenge as we struggle for relevancy in the face of changing demographics and world events. More to the point, much of our research is being questioned in terms of impact, both real and potential”. Such an assessment, if true, suggests a dangerous situation for the IS field, and significant challenges for its future. This panel session proposes to bring together a group of highly acclaimed practice-oriented IS researchers to share their reactions to the above assessment, offer their perspectives on a series of provocative propositions about doing IT research that matters to practice, and engage in an animated debate with each other and with the audience on their positions
