Governance by information infrastructures: Origins and evolution of the concept

The term “infrastructure” has evolved to span a wide range of disciplines, reflecting its diverse applications and conceptualizations. This paper argues that information infrastructures (II) represent a distinct and increasingly significant socio-material form, crucial for understanding governance by infrastructure. We examine the origins and evoluIon of II, emphasizing the socio-material differences between II and other technological forms such as systems and online platforms. We highlight particularities of II innovation and implementation process and consider their implications for the politics of technology and governance by infrastructures. Our analysis is grounded on examination of several II in our increasingly digitised information societies, spanning the Internet, social security, platforms, financial infrastructures, energy systems and infrastructures, and health information systems.