I4S · Research and Competence Training Network for Sustainability-Driven Innovation

The EC is committed to a research and innovation policy that drives ‘smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’. The I4S training network is designed to study sustainability-driven innovation (SDI) in support of this objective. This is much needed as SDI is poorly understood, with companies only now experimenting with practice in this emerging field. This provides opportunity for a new program of research. Preliminary research and prospective studies suggest that SDI involves management competences and organisational capabilities rarely found in traditional business-led technology-driven innovation. SDI often begins with managerial innovation rather than technological innovation. It draws on new platforms of actors or a blend of social and business innovation. Models drawn from nature can be used as inspiration for innovation. It can lead to new business models that create and capture value, providing for performance in economic, environmental and social terms. The goal of the ITN is to research how companies manage the process of SDI. The aim is to provide research training for 9 early-stage researchers and 2 experienced researchers who will be equipped to share their knowledge as academic researchers and teachers. The ITN uses a binary approach to research training, based on collaboration between companies and academic partners so that new knowledge is academically rigorous and of practical relevance. Management practice will be studied by researchers embedded with associated partners engaged in innovation. This approach is essential if the researchers are to ground their research in this new, often experimental area of practice. The ITN is designed to develop generic knowledge about the barriers and obstacles to innovation across sectors. Associated partners will be encouraged to share knowledge, experiences and good practice. The programme is designed in line with the EC’s latest thinking on university-business partnerships and the valorisation of new knowledge.