Abstract
There seem to be two driving forces in systems development. Systems can be developed based on either tradition or on innovation. Whereas tradition often has much to offer in planning information systems of an operational character, strategic information systems clearly necessitate new ways of thinking, i.e. innovation. You can't get any advantage with information systems without being original. Therefore, rigid methods initially designed for the development of operative information systems and based on following up old established conventions are not suitable for the development of strategic systems. Such methods, based on a technical view of information systems, also ignore the social dimensions of computing, whereas innovative uses of computers create new and socially acceptable ways to use computers. In order to clarify the ideas we shall first discuss the difference between operational and strategic information systems. Discussion on the 'traditional methods' for building operational systems is conducted and their characteristics that inhibit innovation and creativity are reviewed. Based on this discussion, it is claimed that strategic information systems exhibiting innovative solutions should not and cannot be built based on methods derived from the building of operational information systems. We will also take up the factors allowing and at the same time demanding innovation. Several Finnish examples of innovation in information systems are presented.