Digital Infrastructures for Business Innovation

Digital infrastructures are the commonly used technologies, systems, products, and platforms which businesses use to conduct commerce, partnerships, and transactions. Chief among these infrastructures is the Internet – an infrastructure which is remarkable for its all‑pervasive presence in our daily lives – while others include cloud computing, social media, mobile technology, blockchain technologies, and cryptocurrencies.

This book introduces the key concepts and models to help you understand digital infrastructures, their technologies, their dynamic evolution, and the ways that businesses can exploit them. The primary focus is on processes of innovation and change that are embodied in new digital infrastructures. The book takes a balanced approach, presenting easy‑to‑understand technical information and pragmatic business analysis. The book’s concise chapters develop the topics carefully, with clear language and many real‑world examples.

The intended audience includes management students on advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as business professionals and entrepreneurs. Readers at all levels will value the book’s explanation of the technical elements of digital infrastructures and will find insights they can use in developing their own business ideas, in start‑ups or existing enterprises.

Magda David Hercheui is Professor (Management Education) in Project Management and Innovation at the UCL School of Management.

Tony Cornford recently retired as Associate Professor in Information Systems in the Department of Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science.