3D Virtual Worlds Enriching Innovation and Collaboration in Information Systems Research, Development, and Commercialisation

The increasing rate of technological developmentis changing how we interact socially, commercially, and politically,making this an exciting yet challenging time in which tolive. As the pace of development is destabilising the status quo,it is increasingly important for individuals and organisationsalike to adapt. Research, development, and commercialisationare important tools in facilitating innovation for organisationsengaging in the modern knowledge/networked economy. As anemergent player in the networked economy, Digital Ecosystemshave great potential for innovation. In particular 3D VirtualWorlds offer exciting opportunities for Information Systemsresearch, development, and commercialisation. By theirvery structure, 3D Virtual Worlds such as Second Life providea powerful context for innovation and collaboration: SecondLife users are immersed in a 3D environment and empoweredby a menu-based object-builder and a programming language;in-built text, voice, and body-language communication toolsenrich communication, collaboration, and help provide a richcontextual presence. The community of users apply themselvesto all realms of human endeavour, from recreational socialisationto systems development and entrepreneurial ventures.The current paper describes a university research commercialisationsystems development project (of an Automated EssayGrading system called MarkIT), that utilises a 3D DigitalEcosystem for both promotion and implementation. Subsequently,this paper discusses the benefits, limitations, and suggestionsfor future innovation in research, development, andcommercialisation of Information Systems incorporating 3DVirtual Worlds