Congenial team of researchers behind new measurement technique
When focus is on innovation it is easy to overlook other things. In the desire to think new, the utility aspect can sometimes get lost. The actual customer-value of a product might be neglected. At Karlstad University, pioneering research is looking at how to measure innovation in a more credible way that reflects reality.
- The idea is to provide companies with a better tool to measure the competitiveness of their products, says Martin Grimberg Löfgren, Professor of Business Administration at Karlstad University. Some products are innovative but not customer-oriented. If you only measure the level of innovation, it can give the company the wrong idea of how well their product will sell.
Service Research Center (CTF) at Karlstad University conducts research at an international level with the vision of connecting knowledge with needs. CTF provides a welcoming and congenial atmosphere in an exuberant research environment with plenty of room for creativity and discussions. A helping hand is never far away and it is easy to become part of the group.
Strong collaborations in the field
- We are good at both cooperation and collaboration, says Per Kristensson, Professor of Psychology. We work according to an established system with everything from the Swedish parliament and government to local supermarkets.
The fact that they work with different authorities and local companies means that data are always close at hand and easy to collect. The research centre is close to the empirical material, which both Per and Martin consider an advantage.
- It is easy for us to collect data from companies, says Martin. We work with real, up-to-date figures. This ensures the relevance of our research.
Martin goes on to describe the combination of research at CTF and teaching at Karlstad Business School as the best of two worlds. You are given the opportunity to build your teaching portfolio while also conducting research in a well-established and functioning system. An opportunity for professional career development in a solution-oriented environment, to find solutions that actually fulfil their purpose.