Research tracks

Theme track: DSR for a Resilient World

Co-chairs: Abayomi Baiyere, Daniel Beverungen, Netta Iivari

The notion of being ‘resilient’ is defined differently depending on the research context. For instance, in the context of building an information system, Pulley & Wakefield (2001) define resilience as: “… resilience provides the ability to recover quickly from change, hardship or misfortune. It is associated with elasticity, buoyancy, and adaptation. Resilient people demonstrate flexibility, durability, and attitude of optimism, and openness to learning. A lack of resilience is signaled by burnout, fatigue, malaise, depression, defensiveness, and cynicism”. As such, for this conference, we position the notion of a resilient future as a future where humans might have to develop flexible abilities for adapting, recovering, and sensing change in emerging relationships with technological innovation.

One thought that arises as we move into the future is: how can the development of knowledge and innovative digital technology help us to develop abilities and skills for a resilient future? An attempt to address the question is by turning to an ideal approach and paradigm within the field of Information Systems (IS) that, traditionally speaking, have a rigorous and relevant view on how to tackle wicked problems on all levels of analysis. This ideal approach is Design Science Research (DSR), which aims to bridge the development of technologies that are useful for humans, organizations, and society, with the development of research knowledge that contributes to a scientific discourse of methodological and conceptual/theoretical foundations for doing IS-research. The more sufficiently IS researchers can contribute with viable solutions and scientific knowledge through a DSR approach that persistently pushes the boundaries of innovation and research, the better will we be able to implement means possible to achieve goals that are useful and sustainable for a resilient future.

General Track

Co-chairs: Monica Chiarini Tremblay, Matthew Mullarkey, Stefan Morana

The general track will focus on all relevant topics including DSR for organizational and societal problems, especially solutions for complex and wicked problems. We welcome empirical, conceptual, and design contributions.

DSR Methods and Education

Co-chairs: Alexander Mädche, Samuli Pekkola, Andreas Janson

The DSR Methods and Education track will focus on rigorous and relevant methods to produce DSR and best practices in teaching and learning. Submissions on what and how to teach DSR and methodological innovations such as philosophy, processes, tools, and techniques to produce impactful DSR are encouraged. Furthermore, we welcome papers that seek to apply or extend DSR methods beyond the scope of the Information Systems discipline, e.g., in Entrepreneurship or other fields. We seek conceptual and empirical studies that advance understanding and improve DSR methods and education, including studies that apply DSR in an educational context.

DSR in Practice

Co-chairs: Jan vom Brocke, Ali Sunyaev, Jan Marco Leimeister

The DSR in practice track focuses on applications of DSR in organizations and society. We are interested in DSR research that demonstrates high practical relevance and impact. The tie to practice can be reflected in the process as well as the outcomes and application of DSR. We invite case studies that highlight the practical use of DSR-generated applications, field studies by DSR researchers, how to evolve DSR into practice, and the role of academic and industry structures in influencing practice (e.g., living labs, accelerators, etc.).

Emerging Topics in DSR

Co-chairs: Brian Donnellan, Juho Lindman, Sarah Hönigsberg

The emerging topics track is open to new ideas for expanding DSR. For example, new domains for DSR inquiry (e.g., transdisciplinary perspectives, tourism, education), new technologies (e.g., AI, data mesh), and new ways of thinking about the role of DSR and its impact on organizations and society.