An E-Collaboration Activity System for Research Institutions

Abstract

The activity theory (AT) has been used comprehensively in academic studies in the past with varying results depending on many factors. In this paper, AT is considered a lens for addressing electronic collaboration (e-collaboration) for academic and research institutions (ARIs). The focus of this paper is on the advancement of theory for future improved use towards creating a sound and improved guide for future research.The path towards innovation is paved and founded through well-defined theoretical guidelines followed by researchers, participants, and organizations. Underpinning theories continue to be used in academia to provide a solid basis and to afford a good foundation for research work. This enables research work to be reliable for the targeted output, participants, and communities. At times these theories present improvement opportunities for future practical applications and implementations. The Living Labs (LLs) present platforms for knowledge development; thereby their relationship with ARIs is inevitable. Together they facilitate improvement and innovation for ARIs.The literature context is the foundation of this paper together with the empirical data collected through multiple sources such as questionnaires, interviews, and the researchers' reflective journal (RRJ). The study used snowball and purposive sampling. The study primarily used the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) approach with the subsequent data collection influencing the collection process. This main objective of this paper is to propose an activity system model for ARIs.The proposed activity system model presented positive results when applied as the main study progressed. Further advancements can still be applied to the model thereby making it adaptable different environments.