Toward the Theory of Using Information for Actions in Systems: Prospects for Research and Reviews

Abstract

This article considers current research prospects, theories and mathematical formalism related to the value of outcomes of digitalisation, their informational value for actions and using information for various types of activities in an array of systems (e.g. production, business, economic, social and organisational systems). Following a review of literature on digitalisation, digitalisation in organisations and the digital economy and society, theories and mathematical techniques for modelling the use of information in various kinds of systems activity were identified, as were blind spots and gaps in research on information used in system actions. In particular, a multidisciplinary gap exists between the need to solve problems in using information for further actions in various systems (i.e. mathematical and theoretical systems-related problems) and available theoretical and mathematical means to solve such problems. Difficult to overcome given its multidisciplinary nature, that gap appears on the border of systems theory, human action theory, economic theory, organisation studies, cybernetics, psychology, theory of mind and mathematics. In response, this article also considers the role of information actions in system action and proposes a mathematical theory on using information in such actions.

Keywords

• digitalization
• information technology
• digital business model
• action theory
• capability
• modeling