The Dynamics of an IOIS in the Seaport of Barcelona - An ANT Perspective

On the basis of a longitudinal interpretive case study, this paper explores the dynamics in the implementation of an industry interorganizational information system (IOIS). The paper covers 11 years (1994–2005) of the implementation process. We use the lens of actor network theory (ANT) to analyze the process of emergence, development, and progressive stabilization of a socio-technical network, that of the IOIS. We focus on the negotiations and translation of interests that occur during the implementation of the IOIS. By using ANT we develop a different reading of the implementation process, which we believe provides a holistic view of the implementation, and can be adapted and applied to similar implementation projects. ANT is suitable as it helps us trace the course of the implementation, and because of the nature of the IOIS and of the implementation process, which involves political negotiations.