Abstract

This thesis investigates, with an actor-network-theory framework, how small businesses implements new technology by using a case study approach. This is something that until now has not been investigated thoroughly. The methods used includes participant observation, semistructured interviews, and document reviews. By looking at what course of action individuals as well as the technology takes during the process, the study paints a detailed picture of what happens and what kind of problems a project of this kind develops and experience. The study shows that there can be both a local and a global network in place. The global network includes governmental agencies, large interest organizations as well as small customers and subcontractors that bring important resources for the project. The local network, where the actual implementation process is happening, includes individuals and technology working together towards a common goal. The study also showed that the interessement of the project participants loosened due to factors such as lack of time. There is usually an obligatory passage point in a network which was found in the global network of this study. However, even though there was both opportunity and more important desire to have that in the local network, nobody took on the role.