Integrating Innovation into Enterprise Architecture Management

The ability of organizations to innovate is acknowledged as an essential capability to compete in a competitive market. This paper proposes to use enterprise architecture management as a systematic approach to innovate the enterprise. The enterprise architecture approach is based on a comprehensive architecture framework which aligns the domains of business -, application and infrastructure architecture. The framework addresses all dimensions relevant for enterprise innovation like business model, organization, processes, and technology and provides appropriate design techniques. A comprehensive architecture development process is introduced which integrates innovation as a central element for the enterprise architecture design. The process encompasses all activities from business vision & strategy, architecture design to implementation. In addition, the organization of architecture management and the main stakeholders from the business as well as IT side and their respective role are explained.