Taking industry seriously in ICT research – The case of building and construction industry

Abstract

Industry has received little attention in Information systems research as a factor explaining information and communication technology (ICT) related activities in organizations. By drawing on a case study in the building and construction industry in Sweden, the aim of the paper is to contribute to an enhanced knowledge on how industry specific features shape the adoption and use of ICT. It is concluded adoption and deployment of ICT is shaped by the interplay among three main dimensions of industry: the market and production environment (shaped by specific interaction patterns among its features), the socio-cognitive environment, and institutional actors. The outcomes of this interplay will “fit” material features of ICT, implying certain ICT applications are preferred in an industry. The suggested framework can be used as a point of departure when ICT-related activities in an industry are analysed. But interaction patterns among features and features to be included in the framework will vary among industries