Social Learning in Technological Innovation: Experimenting with Information and Communication Technologies

This book explores the innovation processes involved in the application and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) at work and in everyday life. These are analysed through an unparalleled set of 23 European case studies, which, uniquely, address both the design/development and the implementation of ICT applications across the cultural, civic information and education sectors.

The authors draw upon a range of analytical traditions - from sociology of technology and cultural and consumption studies, to computer systems design - to build an integrated, evolutionary understanding of the processes of innovation in ICT. Their social learning perspective addresses the collective learning and negotiation processes involved, highlighting the contribution of technology users, as well as designers and developers, in shaping innovation.

The book will have an immediate readership amongst scholars of technology studies, as well as researchers and practitioners interested in computer system development and human computer interaction.

Robin Williams, Professor of Socio-Economic Research, James Stewart, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Edinburgh and Roger Slack, School of Social Sciences, Bangor University, UK