Beyond the data fads: Impact of big data on contemporary innovation and technology management

The role of big data as a catalyst for the knowledge-based economy is widely recognized, serving as a backbone for powering algorithms. However, prior work has predominantly focused on the supply side of having the “right” datasets or considering data as a “ready-to-use” asset. This approach has resulted in a limited perspective on how to enable value creation from data. There is a need to transition from viewing data as a “ready-to-use” resource to engaging in the co-design of data-based products and services and explore how data-driven practices impact current business practices and organizations. This is why we invite researchers to delve deeper into data-driven design and management practices. The goal is to move ‘beyond data fads’ to better understand the opportunities unveiled by data and explore what management of data-driven organizations entails. This editorial aims to introduce this viewpoint, outline the articles featured in this special issue, and propose directions for future research. The insights garnered from the special issue highlight the multifaceted role of data in enhancing organizational capabilities, spanning from design thinking and disruptive innovation to supply chain management, as well as the importance of innovation intermediaries and ecosystems.