How to Study Initiation of IS Innovation within a Complex Responsive Processes Perspective

The paper is concerned with information systems (IS) innovation and in particular the initiation of IS innovation. It reports from an ongoing PhD study with the aim of contributing with a better understanding of the initiation of IS innovation. To accomplish the research aim the PhD study applies the theoretical perspective of Complex Responsive Processes. In this paper the focus is on how the initiation of IS innovation can be studied within this particular theoretical perspective. Thus, the research aim is refined and clarified by introducing five research questions each linked to a separate part of the research aim. Further, the two empirically based research questions are related to the theoretical perspective and a number of working questions are developed. Finally, the paper ends by highlighting the future steps in the process of studying the initiation of IS innovation within a Complex Responsive Processes perspective.