Studying the Adoption of 5G and Future Networks for Social Inclusion: An Innovation Systems Transitions Perspective for Networks-as-a-Service

This paper explores the adoption of 5G and future networks as a means of improving social inclusion. The paper outlines the cost dilemma associated with future networks (currently a barrier to the pervasive access required for social inclusion) and indicates that new business models and sector structure will need to be put forth. The authors posit that network as a service (NaaS) on shared spectrum is a viable and practical solution. Preliminary problem formulation research demonstrates that a transition to new sector structure will be met with strong resistance by incumbent mobile network operators as the sector at large have a vision of incremental change. To study how this transition will best be enabled, the phenomenon is viewed through the theoretical lens of Innovation Systems. Bergek and colleagues (2008) develop a means of examining Technology Innovation Systems (TIS) while (Geels, 2004) provides a tool to understand how innovation systems emerge and transition over time. Based on these two theories, a research framework is presented to guide future studies on this topic.