The Innovation Research Unit (IRU)

IRU provides an excellent interdisciplinary research environment for investigating the governance of complex innovation systems on the international, national, regional and sectoral level.

IRU's emphasis is on applying new methods to innovation research such as agent-based simulation and social network analysis complementing quantitative and qualitative research in the social sciences. Research results shall support policymakers and business managers in facing the economic, social, and political challenges presented by developments in science, technology and innovation. Our research involves a number of EU and domestic projects, for further information on these, please go to the research page on the menu on the left. We are always open to discussing research opportunities with external researchers or PhD students interested in our area of expertise.