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Research

Managing knowledge and innovation

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An image to illustrate studying managing knowledge and innovation with The Open University.

Knowing how to innovate and ‘make a difference’ is fundamental to effective management. But mastering the capacity to compete by generating and exploiting more advantageous ways of ‘doing things’ can be awkward as technologies develop apace and the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Research in this area addresses the complexities of communicating, knowing and innovating in uncertain circumstances. This includes the management of knowledge, innovation within and across organisations and the field of enterprise and entrepreneurship, including small and medium sized businesses. Subjects range from international comparative projects on multi-organisational and cross-sector partnerships, to those dealing with more localised enterprise creation and entrepreneurial innovation.

Qualifications available:
PhD or MPhil
Fees:
For detailed information on current fees visit Fees and funding.
Entry requirements:
Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) and an MRes or specialist masters which includes research methods training.

Potential research projects

Internally funded full-time research studentships are advertised in January (closing date end of March) and may include the following. We also welcome full-time self-funded applications in these areas.

  • Generating and adopting innovative practices.
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Realising the potential of information systems and information technology.
  • Organisational learning in supply and distribution chains.
  • Managing across organisational and national boundaries.

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:
Debby Hing
Email:
oubs-research@open.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)1908 655272

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under 'Your questions' further down the page.