Facilitating flourishing: Exploring the role of action research in digital innovation

Barbala, Astri, Ulfsnes, Rasmus, Moe, Nils Brede, Sporsem, Tor Thorsrud, & Stray, Viktoria. (2026). Facilitating flourishing: Exploring the role of action research in digital innovation. Paper presented at the 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, Hawaii, 06-09 January

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a four-year longitudinal action research collaboration on digital innovation with a large maritime company. At the core of this collaboration is a recurring hackathon event, where researchers introduced an idea-refining “innovation game” to engage participants in developing new ideas, particularly around AI initiatives. Drawing on interviews, observations, and participant reflections, we examine how researcher-led collaborative processes that incorporate game elements create conditions for serendipitous moments of unexpected discovery, which in turn foster innovation and positive affects. We argue that such moments, when materialized and cultivated through active researcher involvement, contribute to employee flourishing over time. The study demonstrates how researchers, by aligning with organizational values, goals, and challenges, can shape digital innovation practices that facilitate flourishing.

Funder

Taighde Eireann – Research Ireland
European Union
Research Council of Norway

Publisher

University of Hawaii at Mānoa

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

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