Architectural knowledge in inter-organizational IT innovation

  • Authors:

  • Magnus Andersson;Rikard Lindgren;Ola Henfridsson

  • Affiliations:

  • Viktoria Institute, Hörselgången 4, 417 56 Göteborg, Sweden;Viktoria Institute, Hörselgången 4, 417 56 Göteborg, Sweden and IT University of Göteborg, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden;Viktoria Institute, Hörselgången 4, 417 56 Göteborg, Sweden and Jönköping International Business School, Jönköping University, P.O. Box 1026, SE-551 11 Jönk ...

  • Venue:
  • The Journal of Strategic Information Systems
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

This paper examines the front-end process of inter-organizational IT innovation. In particular, it focuses on the nature and role of architectural knowledge. Such knowledge is important for development of architectures capable of serving the goals of heterogeneous actors and technologies. Yet, surprisingly little research has been done on how architectural knowledge may be developed through collective achievements. This paper presents a theoretical model of architectural knowledge development in inter-organizational IT innovation. Applying this model throughout an action research project within the Swedish transport industry, the paper identifies four dimensions of architectural knowledge that proved important for facilitating an industry-wide ubiquitous computing environment. The four dimensions are technology capability awareness, use context sensitivity, business model understanding, and boundary-spanning competence. We conclude the paper by outlining the theoretical and strategy implications of the model and the four dimensions of architectural knowledge.