A socio-technical analysis of internet of things development: an interplay of technologies, tasks, structures and actors

Abstract

Purpose

Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical standpoint. However, IoT development is a socio-technical ensemble, which requires analysis with a simultaneous focus on both technical and non-technical issues. Hence, this paper aims to analyze the development of IoT through the lens of the socio-technical system (STS) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Having reviewed the STS theory, the key components of the IoT development are identified using prior literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort.

Findings

As a result, this paper provides insight into the key socio-technical issues in the IoT development classified under technology, tasks, structure and actors as four components of STS. Moreover, the close connections between the components are clarified.

Originality/value

This research is among the earliest studies, which use the STS theory to investigate the IoT development. The conducted socio-technical analysis of this study may assist the governments, industries and entrepreneurs as the chief stakeholders of IoT development to better align their actions with each other and achieve a balance between both technical and social sides.

Citation

Ghaffari, K., Lagzian, M., Kazemi, M. and Malekzadeh, G. (2019), "A socio-technical analysis of internet of things development: an interplay of technologies, tasks, structures and actors", Foresight, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 640-653. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-05-2019-0037