Knowledge Creation, Social Networks, and Innovation

Prior research indicates that social knowledge, network density, and a tertius iungens orientation predict innovation involvement. Using ethnographic observations and statistical analysis, this project expands upon earlier work to suggest that knowledge articulation (i.e., the social process by which knowledge is made more explicit, usable, or relevant to the situation at hand) has a critical role in the introduction of new technologies.

• What predicts involvement in innovation in a product development environment?
• What are the fundamental social mechanisms that underlay innovation?

IT and Innovation: Does IT Complement the Research & Development Efforts of Firms? (new)

An important supportive element of innovative efforts is information technology. Information capture, management, analysis, reporting, and distribution are core elements of the R&D function and IT is central to these information activities. However, empirical research tells us little about the relationship between IT and firm innovation. In addition, little is known about the contribution of IT to these creative processes as well as the complementary relationship between IT and innovation to overall firm performance. In this project, IT’s relationship with innovation and the contribution of IT and innovation activities to firm innovative output and overall performance will be tested using statistical analysis. This project represents an extension to earlier research, building on the expertise that CRITO holds in the area of maximizing the returns to IT investment.

• What predicts involvement in innovation in a product development environment?
• What are the fundamental social mechanisms that underlay innovation?