An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments
www.humantechnology.jyu.fi
ISSN: 1795-6889
Volume 8 (1), May 2012, 24-45

ICT-Related Intangibles and Organizational Innovation: Indicators for Improving Connectedness and Flexibility

Minna Koskinen
Agora Center
University of Jyväskylä
Finland
Joni Luomala
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
University of Jyväskylä
Finland

Petri Maaranen
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
University of Jyväskylä
Finland

Abstract

In this paper we address the role of ICT-related intangible assets in organizational innovation. We focus on two important innovation enablers: first, connectedness, the ability of individuals to create and maintain connections to each other; and second, organizational flexibility to adapt to changing needs. For connectedness and flexibility, an agile ICT infrastructure and information management services are needed. Through a Delphi study, we identified several factors hindering organizational innovation, and formulated a set of indicators and related metrics for improvement. We conclude that it is necessary to consider ICT-related factors when organizations pursue improving their innovativeness. However, ICT solutions do not lead to organizational innovativeness independent of other organizational factors and people. If the organization is well-functioning, suitable ICT solutions can provide important added value for its innovation activities.
Keywords: organizational innovation, ICT solutions, information management, intangibles, connectedness, flexibility, improvement.