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Unit for the Study of Innovation, Knowledge & Organisational Networks

The Innovation, Knowledge and Organisational Networks research unit (ikon) was established in 1997 to advance understanding of the interactions between innovation, knowledge and networks - primarily from an organisational theory perspective. Research in the group emphasises a critical understanding of the social aspects of innovation, change, knowledge management and interfirm relations thereby complementing the often technologically focused research that dominates these fields.

ikon's research portfolio is concentrated on five main thematic priorities:

• Managing knowledge and organisational learning in project-based settings
• Interactive innovation processes and effects on shifts in power/knowledge
• Networks and networking for innovation
• Problems in the diffusion and implementation of new management initiatives
• Managing knowledge work.

Within these broad areas, current research is focused on four main research projects:

• Power, Knowledge and Knowledge Management: A Study of Interactive Innovation
• Knowledge Management for Project-based Learning
• Capturing Knowledge and Project-Based Learning: Managing Culture and Change in the Construction Firm
• The Evolution of Biomedical Knowledge: Interactive Innovation in the UK and US
• Whilst these projects provide the core of ikon's current work, since its inception six major research projects have been completed within the unit (for further details click here).