| Creators: |
Ciriello, Raffaele F. and Mathiassen, Lars and Risius, Marten and Cheong, Marc and Scheepers, Helana and Vaast, Emmanuelle |
| Title: |
Compassionate Digital Innovation: A Pluralistic Perspective and Research Agenda |
| Item Type: |
Article or issue of a publication series |
| Projects: |
IDI |
| Journal or Series Title: |
Information Systems Journal |
| Additional Information: |
Open Access |
| Date: |
25 August 2025 |
| Divisions: |
Informationsmanagement |
| Abstract (ENG): |
Digital innovation offers significant societal, economic and environmental benefits but is also a source of profound harms. Prior information systems (IS) research has often overlooked the ethical tensions involved, framing harms as ‘unintended consequences’ rather than symptoms of deeper systemic problems. In response, this paper presents a problematization review that critiques and revises three widely held assumptions about digital innovations: (1) that they generate net benefits that outweigh the associated harm; (2) that their ethicality can be calculated through utility and (3) that their harms can be mitigated through technological, corporate or regulatory intervention. We argue that compassion provides a pluralistic ethical foundation that integrates the strengths of consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. This framework prioritises serving all stakeholders, especially the most vulnerable, while avoiding harm. It sets a research agenda focused on addressing structural dysfunctions, amplifying marginalised voices, and fostering sustainable systems. By reimagining digital innovation as a force for the common good, this paper contributes to a more just and equitable digital future for all. |
| Forthcoming: |
No |
| Language: |
English |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
common good; compassion; digital innovation; ethics; systemic inequity |
| Link eMedia: |
Download |
| Citation: |
Ciriello, Raffaele F. and Mathiassen, Lars and Risius, Marten and Cheong, Marc and Scheepers, Helana and Vaast, Emmanuelle
(2025)
Compassionate Digital Innovation: A Pluralistic Perspective and Research Agenda.
Information Systems Journal.
ISSN 1365-2575
|
