Welcome
Welcome to the official page of the Special Interest Group on “Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems” (DSPE) of the Association for Information Systems (AIS). This site serves as a networking opportunity for our members, offering a way to stay connected between meetings and providing resources to keep you informed on the latest developments in our field. Please also follow us on LinkedIn.
Originally established in 2018 as SIG “Advances in Sourcing”, our group has evolved in response to reflect changes in managerial practice and research interests. Therefore, our focus has expanded to encompass not only traditional sourcing but also the burgeoning areas of digital platforms and ecosystems.
Our research interests are broad, covering a wide spectrum of phenomena related to digital sourcing and platformization, with a special focus on how digital platforms and emerging technologies are reshaping traditional sourcing and business models. Research topics include but are not limited to (1) digital sourcing issues, such as sourcing decisions and outcomes, organizing and governing sourcing relationships, innovation and knowledge processes in sourcing relationships, and various sourcing configurations and models (multi-sourcing, plural sourcing, crowdsourcing, cloud sourcing, etc.) and (2) digital platform ecosystems issues, including motivation to partner, governance of platform ecosystems and partnerships, co-innovation processes, and outcomes. These topics are examined from multiple perspectives (including client and supplier firms, platform vendors, complementors, and individual actors), and studied at multiple levels of analysis (including individual-, firm-, inter-organizational, and ecosystem-level), using diverse methods.
DSPE is committed to fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insights not only among researchers but also with professionals involved in the management and use of information systems and technologies. Through seminars, conferences, and on-line resources, we aim to enhance the understanding and impact of research in digital sourcing, platforms, and ecosystems.
Member Benefits
As part of the SIG on Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems (DSPE), members benefit from:
- Professional Exchange: A dedicated forum for exploring new and emerging trends at the intersection of sourcing and platforms within information systems. This includes opportunities for rich dialogue on theoretical and practical innovations.
- Idea Sharing: Engaging discussions with peers on research design, theoretical contributions, and the application of suitable methodologies for studying digital platforms and sourcing practices.
- Event Participation: Access to SIG events such as pre- or post-ICIS workshops, and other gatherings focused on sourcing and platform dynamics such as the Pre- or Post-ICIS workshops or the annual Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems Workshop)
- Research Support: Opportunities to critically examine research problems and advances, with guidance on aligning studies with publication standards in top information systems outlets.