Smartphone, an Evolving Payment Gateway: A Study on Mobile Payment and Related Infrastructures in Norway and China

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to study mobile payment in Norway and China from the perspective of infrastructures. To gain a deep understanding of mobile payment, my journey started from the understanding of preceding payment methods and relevant monetary history. Using the Information infrastructure theory as a theoretical framework, analytical model was invented for classifying and comparing technologies from an infrastructure point of view. An intrinsic multi-case study is conducted in the research. The two cases present detailed descriptions of the implementations of mobile payment services and related information infrastructures. Based on the analysis of qualitative multi-case study in Norway and China, I argue that flexibility of the smartphone not only enable smartphone to be an evolving payment gateway, but also contributes to the divergent implementation of mobile payment solutions.