Charting Process-Based Collaboration Support in Agile Business Networks: Aligning the Need for a Dynamic Internet of Processes from Industry and Research Perspectives

Abstract

Agile business networking is an emerging concept aimed at helping companies face the challenges of the dynamic economy of the 21st century. It integrates a technology and a business perspective, arriving at highly dynamic Internet-based processes. Despite its importance, there is no common understanding of this concept; many interpretations exist, leading to ad hoc business requirements or technical innovations. This creates confusion in research, development, and application, and possible misalignment of requirements and solutions towards the future. In this article, we set clear lines in this playing field by defining a configuration space for dynamic, process-based business collaboration; analyzing technology push and demand pull forces; and confronting these forces for alignment. To help new research efforts, we outline an approach to properly position them. Thus, we aim to contribute to a well-structured development of a dynamic Internet of Processes.