The State of Globalization of the Information Systems Discipline: A Historical Analysis

This study explores the degree of globalization within the Information Systems (IS) discipline. Global scientific collaboration plays a pivotal role in crafting solutions that can address the increasingly prevalent global challenges. Conversely, we are witnessing a period where political priorities are increasingly centered on reinforcing the nation-state and resolving local problems. As the calls for localized research and a reevaluation of theoretical foundations gain momentum, the IS discipline grapples with a complex balancing act, navigating between its global aspirations and the imperative to address local realities. Employing historical and geospatial network analysis spanning the years 1979 to 2021, this research assesses the geographical patterns of research collaborations within the IS discipline. It provides an updated appraisal of Galliers and Meadows’ study from two decades ago, in the face of increased geopolitical tensions and the politicization of research.