MIT CISR

Mind and Hand: A Decade of Data Monetization Research

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-07-10

Abstract:

Over a decade of collaboration between MIT CISR researchers and the MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board has produced a research model that explains how organizations translate data assets into financial performance. The model traces a causal chain from core data capabilities through liquid data assets, organizational data democracy, and effective monetization initiatives to measurable business outcomes. Data Board leaders bring this model to life through three principles: (1) managing data assets as products with dedicated owners and lifecycles, (2) mobilizing data monetization across the organization, and (3) systematically realizing value through disciplined measurement and income statement accountability. Organizations embracing these principles unlock competitive advantage and maximize their data investment returns.

Publication date: 2026-07-16

Publication type: Research Briefing

Publication authors: Nick van der Meulen , Barbara H. Wixom , Cynthia M. Beath , The MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board

Mind and Hand: A Decade of Data Monetization Research

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-07-10

Abstract:

Publication date: 2026-07-16

Publication type: Audio

Publication authors: Nick van der Meulen , Barbara H. Wixom , Cynthia M. Beath , The MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board

The Data Monetization Research Model

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-07-14

Abstract:

This model explains the causal chain of how data monetization drives financial performance.

Publication date: 2026-07-16

Publication type: Framework

Publication authors: Nick van der Meulen , Barbara H. Wixom

Data Monetization Drives Performance

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-07-15

Abstract:

Publication date: 2026-07-16

Publication type: Talking Points

Publication authors: Nick van der Meulen , Barbara H. Wixom

The Strategic Role of the Partner Ecosystem in Belden’s Transformation from Products to Solutions

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-07-22

Abstract:

How can midsize firms create and capture value within ecosystems dominated by technology giants? Belden’s transformation from a manufacturer of industrial networking components to a provider of data-powered solutions required the company to work within an ecosystem of giant partners. Based on interviews with nine executives from Belden and Accenture, this case examines the organizational, technological, and commercial changes needed to build ecosystem-based solutions.

Confronted with the commoditization of networking hardware and the opportunities of AI, digital twins, and Internet of Things technologies, Belden redefined its strategic role as the provider of an “intelligent data pipe” bridging operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) networks. To support this strategy, the company was developing the Belden Horizon platform to reliably provide trustworthy industrial data across edge, on-premises, and cloud environments, creating a foundation for ecosystem collaboration. Belden also had to persuade much larger technology partners—including Accenture, AWS, and NVIDIA—that intelligent networking was essential for delivering benefits to customers. Finally, the company redesigned its sales organization, incentives, and go-to-market approach to co-sell solutions with ecosystem partners.

Publication date: 2026-07-24

Publication type: Working Paper, Case Study

Publication authors: Martin Mocker , Ina M. Sebastian

AI Value Creation: Five Provocative Propositions

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-08-19

Abstract:

AI adoption is now widespread—but adoption is not the same as value creation. AI foundation models and agents are capabilities that every one of your competitors can also leverage. The winners, then, may not be the fastest adopters, but the companies that most effectively turn AI into differentiated value. For this briefing our team crafted five propositions about effective management practices to drive AI business value, based on current MIT CISR research.

Publication date: 2026-08-20

Publication type: Research Briefing

Publication authors: Stephanie L. Woerner , Ina M. Sebastian , Gayan Benedict , Nick van der Meulen , Martin Mocker , Peter Weill

AI Value Creation: Five Provocative Propositions

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-08-19

Abstract:

Publication date: 2026-08-20

Publication type: Audio

Publication authors: Stephanie L. Woerner , Ina M. Sebastian , Gayan Benedict , Nick van der Meulen , Martin Mocker , Peter Weill

Propositions on Creating Value from AI

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-08-19

Abstract:

Publication date: 2026-08-20

Publication type: Talking Points

Publication authors: Stephanie L. Woerner

Gut Check—Intuition in the Age of AI

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-09-14

Abstract:

As AI becomes increasingly capable, it forces a reckoning with what makes us uniquely human, and how we can best partner with it. We are still responsible for how we show up in relationships, the values that we stand for, how we guide what we create, and what we decide to use AI for in the first place. In this presentation, Kate argues that four distinctly human capacities will become more—not less—important in the age of AI: presence, character, judgment, and purpose.

Publication date: 2026-09-29

Publication type: Video

Publication authors: Katherine W. Isaacs , Stephanie L. Woerner

Establishing Guardrails on the AI Roller Coaster

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-09-17

Abstract:

A surge of energy, investment, and optimism is driving organizations to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). However, these efforts carry risks, including wasted resources from redundant investments and added operational complexity and costs. Like a roller coaster, AI initiatives require carefully designed safeguards to move fast but avoid calamity. As these initiatives proliferate throughout the organization, implementing unique controls for every AI application becomes unsustainable. Drawing on interviews, this briefing identifies four domains where guardrails matter most for managing AI and effective controls, illustrated by a case vignette about fintech Tunic Pay.

Publication date: 2026-09-17

Publication type: Research Briefing

Publication authors: Alan Thorogood , Peter Reynolds , Asif Gill

Establishing Guardrails on the AI Roller Coaster

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-09-17

Abstract:

Publication date: 2026-09-17

Publication type: Audio

Publication authors: Alan Thorogood , Peter Reynolds , Asif Gill

Architecture Guardrails for AI

MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) — 2026-09-17

Abstract:

A well-designed AI architecture enables the organization’s business units to apply AI faster and with less risk.

Publication date: 2026-09-17

Publication type: Talking Points

Publication authors: Alan Thorogood , Peter Reynolds , Asif Gill