Paper Number
ECIS2026-2442
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
Data is increasingly considered a strategic enterprise asset capable of driving competitive advantage. However, despite the increasing importance of data, the data strategy concept remains under-theorized, characterized by fragmented, heterogeneous perspectives and limited empirical insight into its formulation and implementation in organizations. Building on strategy literature from management and information systems, we derive a definition and conceptual framework for data strategy, which we use to examine data strategies in their organizational context. Drawing on multiple case studies, we provide nuanced insights into the development of data strategy, its key constituents, its impact, and its interdependencies with the organizational strategy landscape. Our findings highlight data strategy as an organization-wide and self-contained strategy and shed light on its configuration. In addition, we contribute to practice by outlining the key elements and current status of data strategy in organizational settings.
Recommended Citation
Kakuschke, Nick and Legner, Christine, "Unpacking Data Strategies - Conceptualization and Empirical Insights" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 13.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/bus_analytics/bus_analytics/13
Unpacking Data Strategies - Conceptualization and Empirical Insights
Data is increasingly considered a strategic enterprise asset capable of driving competitive advantage. However, despite the increasing importance of data, the data strategy concept remains under-theorized, characterized by fragmented, heterogeneous perspectives and limited empirical insight into its formulation and implementation in organizations. Building on strategy literature from management and information systems, we derive a definition and conceptual framework for data strategy, which we use to examine data strategies in their organizational context. Drawing on multiple case studies, we provide nuanced insights into the development of data strategy, its key constituents, its impact, and its interdependencies with the organizational strategy landscape. Our findings highlight data strategy as an organization-wide and self-contained strategy and shed light on its configuration. In addition, we contribute to practice by outlining the key elements and current status of data strategy in organizational settings.
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