Analysis of ICT/IS innovations

This thesis focuses on innovations and ICT/IS innovations in detail. It is divided into the theoretical and practical part. The author of the thesis sets himself two main objectives. First one is to define the basic innovation and ICT/IS innovation theory. Second one is to conduct research among selected companies and analyze its results. From mined data the author tries to identify a group of companies successful in innovation projects, define best innovation practices as a key to success and analyze the ICT/IS innovations impact on the other innovation types. The thesis is divided into two parts, theoretical and practical. The theoretical part is aimed at definition of information system and its relevance to company's competitiveness. The multidimensional view of IS is also highlighted. The author describes the Schumpeter's Theory of Innovation and contributions of his followers. In addition to information system's definition this part focuses also on innovation management and innovation strategy, as well as on author's own experience with innovation projects. Final section of the theoretical part describes different types of ICT/IS innovations and their definition. The impacts of ICT/IS innovation on other types of innovation is also discussed. Second part of the thesis is practical one and deals with research which was carried out among a set of selected companies. Prior to results evaluation, The author defines several theses (as a reflection his expectation from research). These theses are grouped into following categories: effects and return of ICT/IS investment, ICT/IS innovation strategic management and the importance of ICT/IS innovation in innovation cycle. As a part of the analysis the author compare above mentioned theses to gained research results. Finally, there is the executive summary containing key recommendations and best practices for successful ICT/IS innovation activities. Main contribution of the thesis may be seen in the description of companies' approach to innovations and identification of a group of companies applying innovations successfully in practice