Academic
Business
Research themes
Innovation
The RIKON Group’s academic expertise in innovation is wide ranging, incorporating enterprise and multi-industry level innovation practices and processes, the role of knowledge management and knowledge transfer in supporting innovation, the role of organisational networks in facilitating innovative practices and the importance of innovation at the customer interface level.
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Enterprise and industry level innovation practices and processes
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Developing, managing and sustaining innovative organisational networks
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Innovation at the customer interface level – customer experiences and customer relating capabilities
Reflecting the strong academic performance and standing of The RIKON Group, the Group’s academic projects have secured in the region of €547,000 academic funding. The source of this funding includes IRCHSS, Fáilte Ireland, IOTI - Strand, NAIRTL, Royal Irish Academy Mobility Grant 07, Behest Fund 04, and WIT Behest Fund. The wide ranging impact of the RIKON Group at an academic level is further evidenced through the delivery of 47 conference papers (2 best papers and 1 nominee), 5 journal publications (ABS 2-3) and the publication of 2 book chapters and 6 case studies (2 EFMD awards).
Knowledge Transfer
The ability to transfer knowledge effectively among individuals is critical to a host of organisational processes and outcomes, including the transfer of best practices. A recent trend in the field of strategic management has been to emphasise the role of organisational knowledge as a basis for competitive advantage among firms. Studies have also confirmed that a high degree of social cohesion and a networking ethos enables the fluid transfer of information among businesses. Critical research into the area of knowledge transfer is currently being conducted by a number of the RIKON researchers.
Organisational Networks
'Organisational networks are based on social/professional relationships and can exist for a variety of reasons including marketing, innovation, research and development, and business development. RIKON can help facilitate network projects, in pursuit of deeper commitment to and value from the network by its participants.'
RIKON is currently carrying out valuable research into a number of network initiatives. Some of RIKON’s recently completed works involved investigations into the uptake, benefit and effectiveness of Fáilte Ireland’s tourism leaning network programme.