Contours of diffusion of electronic data interchange in Finland: Overcoming technological barriers and collaborating to make it happen

Abstract

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)—despite its basic simplicity—forms a complex and inter-organizational innovation. This necessitates multiple points of observation and the use of multiple theoretical frames in accounting EDI diffusion processes. Based on field study data we deliver a multi-level account of EDI diffusion in Finland. The study clarifies how factors located on three levels of analysis can be applied to understand the unfolding of EDI adoption in different organizational constellations, here called diffusion patterns. We examine three families of diffusion patterns: local dyadic patterns; industry-wide networks; and national initiatives. Overall we discern five distinct diffusion patterns. The analysis of the five patterns demonstrates that EDI diffusion is a complex interplay of organizational, industry and institutional factors. On the theory plane our study calls for the need to orchestrate multi-level approaches to study the diffusion of complex, and networked technologies.