Aktør-nettverk teori som teoretisk rammeverk og praktisk verktøy for å analysere informasjonsinfrastrukturer i et NbF

Network centric warfare is the new overall concept for military operations. Such operations are critically dependent on a well-functioning Information Infrastructure. It has been argued that the development of Information Infrastructures needs to be recognised as an ongoing sosiotechnical negotiation. An analysis of it accordingly presumes a suitable tool. This report introduces Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as such a tool for analysing the complexity of Information Infrastructures in a Norwegian Network Based Defence (NBD). Actor-Network Theory is particularly relevant in relation to developing Information Infrastructures. Actor-Network Theory has its origins in studies of the networks of interdependent social practises that constitute work in science and technology. Actor-Network Theory can be seen as a systematic way to bring out the infrastructure that is usually left out of the “heroic” accounts of scientific and technological achievements. The Actor Network consists not only of people and social groups, but also of artefacts, devices and entities. This report use the Actor-Network Theory to address the complex interplay between organisation, processes and technology in order to understand more about how modern Information and Communication Technology shapes, enables and constrains organisational changes.