Recognition plays an important role in shaping research priorities and scholarly behavior. In information systems scholarship, awards can signal which types of contributions are valued and encourage standards that balance innovation with rigor.
The Association for Technology, Information Systems, and Research (ATISR) uses research awards as a strategic tool to promote high-quality, innovative, and responsible scholarship. This article examines how ATISR’s approach to awarding innovation contributes to the advancement of information systems research.
Purpose
The primary purpose of research awards within ATISR is to recognize contributions that advance knowledge in meaningful ways. Awards highlight work that introduces new ideas, methods, or applications while maintaining strong academic foundations.
By formalizing recognition, ATISR reinforces the message that innovation should be evaluated alongside methodological quality, theoretical contribution, and ethical conduct. Awards are not only acknowledgments of past achievement but signals that shape future research behavior.
Innovation
ATISR defines innovation broadly, focusing on contribution rather than novelty alone. Innovative research may involve new theoretical perspectives, creative use of methods, or original application of information systems concepts to emerging domains.
Awards emphasize innovation that extends understanding rather than bypassing scholarly standards. This perspective helps prevent superficial novelty and encourages thoughtful advancement grounded in existing research.
Innovation is treated as a process that builds on prior work rather than a break from academic tradition.
Excellence
Academic excellence is a core criterion in ATISR’s award framework. Excellence is reflected in clarity of research questions, sound methodology, and robust analysis.
Awarded work typically demonstrates careful validation, transparent reporting, and engagement with relevant literature. By maintaining high standards, ATISR ensures that innovation is supported by credibility and reliability.
This emphasis reinforces trust in award outcomes and strengthens their influence within the research community.
Evaluation
Award evaluation processes are designed to be systematic and fair. ATISR uses peer review mechanisms to assess submissions against defined criteria.
Evaluation commonly considers originality, rigor, relevance, and potential impact. Multiple reviewers help reduce individual bias and improve consistency. Clear evaluation guidelines support transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Structured evaluation processes also enhance the legitimacy of awards.
Impact
Research awards can amplify the impact of scholarly work. Recognition increases visibility, encourages citation, and supports dissemination beyond immediate academic circles.
Within the ATISR network, awarded research often informs future studies, teaching materials, and practitioner engagement. Awards also help early-career researchers gain recognition, supporting career development and sustained contribution to the field.
Impact is understood as both academic influence and practical relevance.
Motivation
Awards influence motivation by reinforcing valued behaviors. When innovation and rigor are jointly rewarded, researchers are encouraged to pursue ambitious ideas without compromising quality.
ATISR’s approach avoids framing innovation and excellence as competing goals. Instead, awards communicate that high-impact research often combines creative thinking with disciplined execution.
This balance supports a healthy research culture.
Ethics
Ethical conduct is an implicit and explicit consideration in award decisions. Research that raises ethical concerns or lacks transparency is unlikely to receive recognition.
By incorporating ethics into award criteria, ATISR reinforces responsible research practices. This alignment helps normalize ethical reflection as part of scholarly excellence rather than an external requirement.
Ethical recognition strengthens trust in the research community.
Community
Awards also contribute to community building. They create shared reference points for quality and innovation within the ATISR network.
Award ceremonies, announcements, and discussions provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and reflection. Celebrating achievement collectively reinforces community identity and shared standards.
Recognition thus serves both individual and collective purposes.
Reflection
ATISR’s use of awards illustrates how recognition mechanisms can guide scholarly development.
| Award Focus | Evaluation Emphasis | Intended Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation | Original contribution | Knowledge advancement |
| Excellence | Methodological rigor | Research quality |
| Impact | Academic and practical use | Relevance |
| Ethics | Responsible conduct | Trust |
Awarding innovation is not merely symbolic. Within ATISR, it is a strategic practice that shapes research norms and priorities. By aligning recognition with innovation, excellence, and responsibility, ATISR supports the continued advancement of information systems scholarship in a way that is credible, impactful, and sustainable.
FAQs
Why does ATISR give research awards?
To recognize innovation and academic excellence.
How does ATISR define innovation?
As meaningful advancement in IS scholarship.
Are awards based only on novelty?
No, rigor and quality are also required.
Do awards support early-career researchers?
Yes, recognition can support career development.
Are ethics considered in award decisions?
Yes, responsible research is essential.