Emerging Knowledge Networks in the Architectural Transformation of Digital Infrastructures

Abstract

For large incumbent organizations undergoing architectural transformation, knowledge is paramount. In the literature, knowledge is often fragmented, focusing either on individual systems or large corporate systems. Additionally, existing research tends to concentrate on how legacy systems can be made competitive or on the technical implications of transformation. In this paper, we adopt an infrastructure perspective to examine the knowledge networks that emerge during such transformations. We pose the question: How do knowledge networks emerge, and how are they organized to facilitate architectural transformation within digital infrastructures? Our study focuses on a prominent Norwegian bank that is currently undergoing an architectural transformation. We contribute to the discourse by developing a framework for "domain technical knowledge," encompassing three types of knowledge that collectively form a cohesive knowledge network. Furthermore, we demonstrate the horizontal and vertical alignment between these different knowledge types, illustrating how knowledge networks emerge.