Inter-organisational infrastructure and industry value: a case study of the Australian travel sector

It is argued here that ICTs also suport the provision of common applications, or services - referred to as inter-organisational infrastructures - to groups of organisations that operate at a similar point in the value chain.

Abstract

Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) have long been seen as a catalyst for organisational change. By enhancing the flow of information it becomes possible for an organisation to buy-in an increased number of activities rather than perform them internally. Moving beyond a focus on the individual organisation, it is argued here that ICTs also suport the provision of common applications, or services - referred to as inter-organisational infrastructures - to groups of organisations that operate at a similar point in the value chain. A case study of distribution in the Australian travel sector suggests that many such infrastructures exist and may have a potentially significant impact upon the distribution of value in an industry.