IT innovation theory and practice : a multi-case study investigation of organisational approaches and experiences in IT innovation

This thesis presents a multi-case study investigation of organisational approaches and experiences in information technology (IT) innovation. Building on an empirically grounded model of IT innovation based on these case studies, the research generates a knowledge framework that aims to enhance IT innovation theory and practice. Innovation involving the production and/or use of IT has been shown to be important for economic growth. Organisation level studies suggest that IT enables innovation and that the probability of innovation increases with the intensity of IT use (OECD 2009). IT is inherently configurable and programmable and is routinely adapted and modified for use in a variety of applications across a range of domains. The general-purpose nature of IT provides significant opportunity for it to be directly involved in innovation activity (Brynjolfsson & Saunders 2010). Innovation involving either the application or production of IT is also very pervasive, extending beyond the IT producing sectors to most non-IT producing (IT user) sectors of the economy. But what is IT innovation? How is IT innovation achieved? How can IT innovation be analysed effectively?