Towards a Process Theory of IS Business Value Co-creation. Insights from enterprise systems adoption in an SME cluster

Authors

Tom R. Eikebrokk, University of Agder, department of information systemsFollow
Dag H. Olsen, University of AgderFollow

Abstract

There is a growing emphasis on digital transformation in research and business practice. The creation of value from IS investments is a critical factor in digital transformation. It usually requires significant organizational transformation activities to realize the potential business value. Research has documented that the ability to realize IS value is a very challenging endeavor, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who because of resource poverty are dependent on external input and cooperation with other companies. There is a general lack of research on how IS business value is co-created, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. This paper builds on the findings on value co-creation in a cluster of performing arts enterprises, to theorize about how co-creation among enterprises contribute to IS business value. The enterprises in the cluster engaged in a project to develop a collaborative approach towards strategic audience development utilizing CRM technology. The results expand our understanding of the dynamics related to co-creation. We find that co-creation can be an important avenue for SMEs to invest in IS and realize IS business value. We propose a modified IS business value framework to explain how networks of enterprises can co-create IS business value.

This paper builds on the findings on value co-creation in a cluster of performing arts enterprises, to theorize about how co-creation among enterprises contribute to IS business value. The enterprises in the cluster engaged in a project to develop a collaborative approach towards strategic audience development utilizing CRM technology. The results expand our understanding of the dynamics related to co-creation. We find that co-creation can be an important avenue for SMEs to invest in IS and realize IS business value. We propose a modified IS business value framework to explain how networks of enterprises can co-create IS business value.

Recommended Citation

Eikebrokk, Tom R. and Olsen, Dag H. (2020) "Towards a Process Theory of IS Business Value Co-creation. Insights from enterprise systems adoption in an SME cluster," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems: Vol. 32: Iss. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/sjis/vol32/iss2/8