Digital “x”—Charting a Path for Digital-Themed Research

Abayomi Baiyere (), Varun Grover (), Kalle J. Lyytinen (), Stephanie Woerner () and Alok Gupta ()
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Abayomi Baiyere: Digitalization Department, Copenhagen Business School, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
Varun Grover: Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Kalle J. Lyytinen: Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Stephanie Woerner: Center for Information Systems Research, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Alok Gupta: Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455

Information Systems Research, 2023, vol. 34, issue 2, 463-486

Abstract: As of late, the use of “digital” as a qualifier to established research concepts is increasing. However, we have yet to clearly establish what makes a “digital x” concept distinct from an “IT x” concept when “x” stands for well-established concepts such as strategy, infrastructure, innovation, or transformation, among others. In this paper, we review the need for, and merit of, labeling focal concepts in our field as “digital x” in contrast to using the dominant, incumbent label of “IT x.” We position the shift as a call to attend to new salient features that characterize contemporary settings of information technology use and its effects. Recognizing this need, we develop guidelines for future research by arguing what novel phenomena the label of “digital x” foregrounds and how insights gained through such foregrounding contribute to scholarship in ways that the term “IT x” does not. By doing so, this paper promotes clarity for the use of the digital x concepts and introduces explicit guidelines to delineate between the nascent stream of digital x research and established modes of IT x research. We hope that the essay helps information systems scholars and scholars in neighboring disciplines attending to digital phenomena identify novel research opportunities grounded on sound conceptual foundations that will foster cumulative generation of knowledge around digital x.

Keywords: digital x; IT x; digitalization; digitization; conceptual clarity; information systems (IS) theory; context shifts; guidelines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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