Reflections on digital innovation

TL;DR

This paper discusses the role of recombination in digital innovation, emphasizing both design and use aspects, and highlights interdisciplinary overlaps and extensions beyond IS research.

Contribution

It extends the understanding of digital innovation by integrating perspectives on recombination from outside IS research.

Findings

Recombination is central to digital innovation.

Both design and use recombination are crucial.

Interdisciplinary insights enrich IS perspectives.

Abstract

The paper by Henfridsson et al. opens up a new agenda for IS research on the content and process of digital innovation. The crucial element in their perspective is the role of recombination in innovation. They supplement an emphasis on design recombination with a symmetrical emphasis on use recombination. While supporting Henfridsson et al.s overall argument, I point out how central parts overlap with and are extended in disciplines outside IS research.