Imagery and research

Does innovation always come with conflict?

We are in the process of finalizing a research article on innovation and knowledge communities. In the study, we are looking at a boundary-spanning example, where people from different organizations, fields and industries convene in a hub. The upsides are enormous: innovation, exchange of ideas, co-creation and joint learning abound. However, there is also a great deal of conflict.

One of the themes that the study raises relates to conflict, conflicting agendas and diverging expectations. It seems that although the various people seem very dedicated to the learning hub, practically none of them share the same view of the community. Instead, everyone seems to have a very personal interpretation of what is happening. This is a potential cause for conflict and destruction as well as it is a base for fruitful cooperation.

One question that the study leaves us wondering is whether the path is inevitable: does an innovative, creative and dynamic knowledge community always come with drama and conflict?
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