Chain-computerisation as a ‘critical mass’ strategy for a chaotic reality: The ecology of information-infrastructures

Abstract

This article is available in English and DutchThere is, between theory and practice, an area that can be denoted by the term 'strategy.' This contribution explores the meaning of the theory of Chain-computerisation from both an evolutionary perspective and the 'rational design' perspective that is dominant in Computer Science. The evolutionary perspective is based on a process of mutation and selection - and not on a preconceived design -- that is determining for that which is developed. This approach provides an alternative to the 'rational design' strategy in large-scale, difficult to control computerisation: the 'critical mass' strategy. This strategy proves to be recognizable in the field of information strategy which leads to the methodology of Chain-computerisation. Through the focus on the dominant chain problem and the degree of organisation of a chain, the application of the methodology of Chain-computerisation leads to a concrete, chain-specific, 'critical mass' strategy for the realisation of large-scale information infrastructures. It is contended that the realisation of large-scale information infrastructures can better be explained from the perspective of mutation and selection than from the perspective of rational design and implementation. This conclusion is illustrated with two examples from the large-scale identity infrastructure. Thus, the significance of Chain-computerisation for theory and practice is clarified: the 'critical mass' strategy towards which Chain-computerisation leads, bridges the gap between design thinking and the complex, large-scale reality.