At Innovation Engineering we rely on a broad definition by OECD (2018):

"An innovation is a new or improved product or process (or combination thereof) that differs significantly from the unit’s previous products or process and that has been made available to potential users (product) or brought into use by the unit (process)." 

We have a broad and interdisciplinary profile of innovation research, where we provide explanations, understanding, frameworks methods and tools to tackle grand challenges like the ones related to the sustainable development goals. We study the outcomes and performance of innovation activities, the innovation process (how to get new insights, explore and implement new product and processes), the methods and tools used in the innovation process, as well as development of innovation methods and development of individual innovation skills.

Research

Our research can be summarized in the following areas: Business Models, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation.

Sustainable Development Goals

Innovation engineering research supports the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in line with the Faculty of Engineering’s vision also clusters around the five main areas of climate, life, digitalization, industry, and environment. In particular, we look at specific areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, cloud computing, life sciences, information technology, additive manufacturing, and retail trade.