How to Generate Research Impact: A Framework and Checklist for Impact-Aware Information Systems Research
Journal
Communication of the AIS
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Vom Brocke Jan
;
Bergener, Katrin
;
Stein, Armin
;
Franzoi, Sandro
;
Becker, Jörg
;
;
;
Krol, Dariusz
;
Isabel Ramoz
;
Rosemann, Michael
;
Song, Minseok
;
Abstract
Research impact has emerged as a defining challenge for the Information Systems discipline. While bibliometric indicators remain prevalent, they capture only a fraction of the value Information Systems research generates for organizations, policy, and society. This panel report documents the outcomes of a structured workshop held at the ERCIS Annual Workshop 2025 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in which 55 Information Systems scholars from across the globe collectively reflected on the nature, mechanisms, and future directions of research impact. Drawing on a World Café format with three thematic breakout sessions – covering past experiences of impact generation, current process practices, and forward-looking aspirations – the workshop surfaced rich, practitioner-grounded insights. Synthesizing these insights, we develop a research impact framework that maps six core impact themes – problem relevance & societal value, stakeholder engagement & co-creation, credible actionability, adaptiveness & learning, ethics & risk awareness, and sustainability & longevity – against the four phases of Benbya et al. (2026) impact framework: planning, delivering, measuring, and communicating. The matrix serves as a practical self-assessment tool for Information Systems researchers seeking to design more impactful research. Our findings point to the importance of sustained stakeholder partnerships, problem-driven research design, and institutional ecosystems that reward societal relevance alongside academic rigor.
Language
English (United States)
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Official URL
Subject(s)
Division(s)
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How to Generate Research Impact_ A Framework and Checklist for Im.pdf
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Name
How to Generate Research Impact_ A Framework and Checklist for Im.pdf
Size
704.3 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
086798bc63e151e6016a27e837b170e0