Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems

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.

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.

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-ICIS DSPE Workshop and the Digital Sourcing, Platform, 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.

The 17th Digital Sourcing, Platforms and Ecosystems Workshop (2026)

Following the success of the past workshops, we are pleased to announce the 17th Digital Sourcing, Platforms and Ecosystems Workshop held February 8-11, 2026, in Obergurgl, Austria. See the call for papers. Submission deadline for extended abstracts: July 31st 2025.

Call for Papers: Special Issue "Platform Partnerships" in the Journal of Strategic Information Systems

The Journal of Strategic Information Systems invites submissions to a special issue on Platform Partnerships. "Platform Organizations & Societal Change" (Deadline: Sept 15th, 2025). See the call for papers.

SIG renamed to "Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems" (DSPE)

We are excited to announce the renaming of our Special Interest Group from SIG Sourcing to "Digital Sourcing, Platforms, and Ecosystems" (DSPE). This new name reflects our expanded focus on the evolving dynamics of digital platforms and the complex ecosystems within the global digital economy. Join us as we explore these frontiers and shape the future of information systems research together. Click here to sign up for the SIG DSPE.