Tracing Digital Transformation Pathways from Subsistence Farming to Equitable and Sustainable Modern Society: Revisiting the eKutir ICT Platform-Enabled Ecosystem as an Interstitial Space

Digitalization has impacted how new practices emerge. In this study, we examined the genesis of new practices during the implementation of an ICT platform-enabled ecosystem in communities of subsistence farmers who were opening to modern development. The platform ecosystem, led by the eKutir social enterprise (Odisha, India), leveraged micro-entrepreneurs to establish networks of actors to support farmers. We view the eKutir model as an interstitial space, i.e., a transition space (combining physical, digital, and human components) that brings actors from different institutional fields together. Five focus groups (n=83 farmers) and semi-structured interviews (n=18 individuals) were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive methods. The study reveals a six-step institutional process: (i) forming physical and digital connections, (ii) gaining legitimacy, (iii) establishing inter-field resource dependencies, (iv) distributing power, (v) standardizing practices, and (vi) sustaining changes in practices. This study contributes to research on ICT for development and interstitial spaces.