NILab

The mission of the Network Innovation Lab (NILab) is to generate both academic and applied knowledge to help scholars and decision-makers understand the mechanisms that drive differences in creativity and innovation—two closely interrelated outcomes—among individuals and firms.

The key question underlying the Lab’s projects, research activities, and dissemination of research outputs is: Holding investments in R&D constant, what makes organizations more innovative?

We believe that understanding this phenomenon requires a multi-level approach, focusing on the following research fields:

• Inter-organizational networks and collaborative ecosystems that enable organizations to share knowledge, expertise, and resources, fostering innovation in new products, services, and technologies.
• Informal intra-organizational networks that connect scientists, researchers, managers, engineers, and creatives, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and diverse perspectives. These networks support the development and implementation of innovative ideas, driving internal innovation and technological advancements.
• Organizational contexts and Human Resource Management systems, including structures, processes, work design, and organizational culture, that create environments conducive to innovation at the individual, team, and organizational levels.
• Team-level factors that sustain innovation and creativity, such as team composition and structure (e.g., task and goal interdependence, team size, team longevity), as well as key team processes (e.g., visioning, decision-making, psychological safety, support for innovation, task orientation, cohesion, internal and external communication, and managing task and relationship conflict).
• Micro-foundations of innovation, including individual cognitive styles and processes, personality traits, knowledge backgrounds, motivational drivers, and leadership behaviors that influence creative problem-solving, knowledge creation, and innovation within organizations.

The Lab leverages cutting-edge theories and research methodologies to foster meaningful dialogue with organizations engaged in innovation and creativity.

NILab is generously supported by STMicroelectronics as its founding member. We are also actively seeking strategic partners who share ST’s and our commitment to generating and disseminating knowledge that helps organizations become more innovative.