Institutionalization as an Innovation Process: Insight Into ICT Use in Agricultural Advisory System

Abstract

This article critically examines the relationship between institutionalization and the innovation process, traditionally regarded distinctively, leading to theoretical and methodological biases. It is also difficult to find how empirical research implements institutional theories. Drawing on the innovation and institutional theories, and a systematic literature review on ICT usage in the agricultural advisory system (AAS), our study reveals that ICT is becoming established within AAS. Two dominant isomorphisms guided ICT usage in AAS: coercive and normative isomorphism. We argue that the institutionalization process is a continuum of the innovation process. From this perspective, technology is conceptualized as potentially useful knowledge that undergoes a series of changes during its institutionalization. We propose an analytical framework that could induce further theoretical refinement and progress.