From Context to Aesthetic: A Nordic Perspective on Data Studies In Information Systems

Data studies are gaining traction in Information Systems (IS). While current research recognizes that data are shaped by context, the ways in which empirical settings inform scholarly contributions remain unarticulated. We focus on the Nordic region as a context and argue that it provides a unique opportunity for examining how sociopolitical and economic conditions can shape specific assumptions about data. The purpose of this paper is to foreground these assumptions and ask: What does a Nordic perspective bring to research on data? We frame the Nordic perspective as a distinct aesthetic, and illustrate how the qualities of a social ethos, minimalism, and craftmanship enrich data studies. This Nordic perspective on data studies highlight how context shapes assumptions about responsible use, collective governance, and sustainable value.