Stimulating and managing innovation within a university : an exploratory study

Whilst there are continuing calls for innovation within academia, the number of related management research papers is still low. In this exploratory study of the topic we used an action research approach to consider possible attributes of an internal management system that would both stimulate and manage innovation as an embedded business process. The literature suggested three potential motivating factors and a suite of tools that might be adapted from their business context. We have discussed these factors and suggest a number of tactics that may be considered to mediate between the drivers of creative change and implementation arrangements. We also discuss the place of relevant management tools in establishing an internal University innovation management system.