Dr. William DeJong | Change Theory | Innovative Research Award

Partner at INI-Research, Netherlands

William DeJong is a Dutch researcher and consultant with a strong background in applied mathematics, organizational change, and innovation management. He has extensive experience in academic research, government policy, and consultancy, particularly focusing on the systemic effects of information and communication technology (ICT) implementation. His work emphasizes the difference between ordinary change and innovation, often through the lens of second-order change.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Educational Background 🎓

• University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands

  • Studied Applied Mathematics and Model Building

  • Graduated in 1980

• Ph.D. – University of Groningen

  • Focus: Innovative effects of ICT-implementation on organizations

  • Based on over a decade of experience in ICT strategy

Professional Experience 💼

• 1980–1983 – Leiden University (Social Sciences, Section Futurology)

  • Developed a combined game and computer model of the Dutch Educational System

• 1983–1994 – Ministry of Education and Science (Netherlands)

  • Held various roles in policy, management, and executive functions

  • Specialized in computerization and business process redesign

• Since 1994 – INI-Research / INI-Consult

  • Role: Researcher and Consultant

  • Focus areas include organizational innovation and change management

Research Interests 🔬

• Management of change and innovation in organizations

• Differences between innovation and ordinary change (first-order vs. second-order change)

• ICT implementation and its organizational impact

• Second-order change in biological and geological systems

• Systemic modeling and futurology

Conclusion🌟

William DeJong has built a career at the intersection of technology, organizational science, and systemic change. With a strong foundation in mathematics and systems modeling, he transitioned into roles that combined research and policymaking. His contributions to understanding second-order change in organizations—and even in natural systems—have led to a body of work comprising around 20 co-authored articles, primarily with collaborator Gea Mulder. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on the dynamics of deep, structural innovation.

Publications 📚

1. 🆕 DeJong, W. M., & de Vries, H. J. (2025, May). A socio-mathematical definition of innovation – The distinction with ordinary change. Technovation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2025.103220

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2. 🔬 DeJong, W., & Degens, H. (2024, Apr 15). Micro- and Macroevolution: A Continuum or Two Distinct Types of Change? Qeios. https://doi.org/10.32388/KIEJWR.2

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3. 📄 DeJong, W., & Degens, H. (2024, Feb 29). Micro- and Macroevolution: A Continuum or Two Distinct Types of Change? (Preprint). https://doi.org/10.32388/KIEJWR

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4. 🌋 DeJong, W. M., & Mulder, G. (2021, Jul). Griggs’ theory of the viscosity of rocks: A chain of mistakes. Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 10(4), 1–5.

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5. 🧬 DeJong, W. (2011, Mar 1). The Evolutionary Dynamics of Digital and Nucleotide Codes. The Open Evolution Journal, 5, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874404401105010001

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6. 📚 DeJong, W., & Mulder, G. (2022, May). A Catastrophe Scenario Explanation for the Rise of Diapirs. In Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences (Vol. 3). https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cagees/v3/15812D

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