Research

The Institute for Innovation and Governance Studies (IGS) conducts research in the field of the governance and management of technological and social innovation. Issues of co-ordination, steering and the operation of (networks of) actors and institutions in both public and private sectors are addressed from a multi-level, multi-actor systems perspective. IGS strives to combine scientific excellence with relevance for stakeholders in public and private sectors.

Research in IGS is grounded in the social sciences, and specifically in business administration (including innovation and entrepreneurship studies), public administration (including political science, policy studies, legal studies, economics, and sociology), and science, technology, innovation and safety studies. IGS research is further characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining ideas and insights across scientific disciplines. A multi-level view of dynamics in society, from micro- to macro level, is shared widely among its researchers.

The empirical fields of IGS research cover public governance, entrepreneurial and business development processes in services, manufacturing and construction industries, health systems, knowledge production (science and higher education), and sustainability concepts (energy and climate, environmental quality, water). These fields of IGS research cut across various technologies, including information and communication technology, energy and water technology, smart systems, biomedical technology, nanotechnology, as well as new materials.