Regional IS Knowledge Networks: Elaborating the Theme of Relevance of IS Research

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the theme of the relevance of IS research. Based on recent experiments and experiences in the borderland between research and practice and politics we suggest some additions to the discussion of the IS research relevance in Fitzgerald (2001). One addition concerns relevance to whom, where we suggest considering a regional relevance through cultivation of regional IS knowledge networks. Such networks comprise regional knowledge production in collaboration between researchers and practitioners, and results are made public and tested in other organizations in addition to the research sites. This is closely related to the view of knowledge and research put forward by American pragmatism. A second addition is to complement Fitzgerald's suggestion to expose researchers to practice with the suggestion to expose practitioners to research. It is just as difficult to learn the 'true nature' of research from reading the executive summary in MIS Quarterly as it is to learn the 'true nature' of practice from a couple of interviews with practitioners. A regional IS knowledge network is an excellent opportunity for such double exposure.

The Relevance of Information Systems Research: Informing the IS Practitioner Community; Informing Ourselves

“…Also stated is his belief that more research is needed in real context. Söderström and Nordström (2003) propose the development of a "regional IS knowledge network" to make researchers more aware of practice and practitioners more aware of IS academic research. They suggest a research and development cooperative effort between academics and companies within a specific geographic region.…”