A socio-technical analysis of internet of things development: an interplay of technologies, tasks, structures and actors

Abstract

Purpose – Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized<br>the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical standpoint. However,<br>IoT development is a socio-technical ensemble, which requires analysis with a simultaneous focus on<br>both technical and non-technical issues. Hence, this paper aims to analyze the development of IoT<br>through the lens of the socio-technical system (STS) theory.<br>Design/methodology/approach – Having reviewed the STS theory, the key components of the IoT<br>development are identified using prior literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts<br>involved in the Iranian IoT development effort.<br>Findings – As a result, this paper provides insight into the key socio-technical issues in the IoT<br>development classified under technology, tasks, structure and actors as four components of STS.<br>Moreover, the close connections between the components are clarified.<br>Originality/value – This research is among the earliest studies, which use the STS theory to investigate<br>the IoT development. The conducted socio-technical analysis of this study may assist the governments,<br>industries and entrepreneurs as the chief stakeholders of IoT development to better align their actions<br>with each other and achieve a balance between both technical and social sides.