INFORMING AT THE CROSSROADS OF DESIGN SCIENCE RESEARCH, ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A PLATFORM ECOSYSTEM ROADMAP

Abstract

Aim/Purpose Developing Digital Platform Ecosystems (DPE) to transform conventional Knowledge Management Systems (KM/KMS) scenarios promises significant benefits for individuals, institutions, as well as emerging knowledge economies. Background The academic entrepreneurship project presented is aiming for such a KMS-DPE configuration. Having consolidated this author’s own and external re-search findings, realization is currently commencing with a start-up in a business incubator. Methodology Design science research applying mixed one-sample case study and illustrative scenario approach focusing on conceptual analysis and entrepreneurship. Contribution Although (academic) entrepreneurship is a young research area with recently growing interest, publications focusing on this transitional stage between matur-ing research and projected commercial viability of digital technologies are rare. Findings A roadmap looking beyond the immediate early-start-up perspective is outlined by integrating recent development-stage-related DPE-research and by address-ing stakeholders diverse informing needs essential for system realization. Recommendations for Practitioners and Researchers As this transdisciplinary perspective combines KM, informing, design science, and entrepreneurial research spaces, it may assist other researchers and practi-tioners facing similar circumstances and/or start-up opportunities. Impact on Society The article advances the understanding of how DPE communities may serve members with highly diverse skills and ambitions better to gainfully utilize the platform’s resources and generative potential in their personal and local settings. Future Research As the entrepreneurial agenda will complement (not substitute) the academic re-search, research priorities have been highlighted aligned to three future stages.