A multi-level perspective on innovation intermediaries: The case of the diffusion of digital technologies in healthcare

Abstract

Innovation intermediaries have emerged as prominent forms of intervention for supporting technological changes and driving sociotechnical transitions. In this paper, we draw on an in-depth case study tracing the emergence and evolution of an intermediary organization created specifically to address innovation-related challenges and spur digital transformation in the healthcare sector in Montreal, Canada. We analyze data from 85 interviews with leading actors in the healthcare ecosystem, coupled with supplementary material, meetings, and follow-ups to theorize how intermediaries help facilitate the diffusion of emerging digital technologies in this sector. Our analysis reveals two interrelated processes: (1) “technology-focused intermediation” to help co-create the technology in accordance with existing demands; and (2) “ecosystem-focused intermediation” to help reinforce ecosystem components for enabling effective deployment. Each of these processes is driven by sourcing, mobilizing, and scaling activities intended to align the technology development trajectory with envisioned sociotechnical requirements.