Multi‑million funding for new research profile on change management

The new research profile IN:CHANGE at Jönköping University (JU) has been awarded SEK 40 million by the Knowledge Foundation (KK‑stiftelsen). In addition, 13 companies are contributing an equivalent amount in so‑called in‑kind contributions, in the form of time, expertise, and other resources. The initiative aims to increase knowledge of how organizations can work more effectively with change and create sustainable workplaces in collaboration with industry.

The research profile’s starting point is to look at why it is often difficult to apply established knowledge about organizations in practice. IN:CHANGE will therefore develop new knowledge about how change processes function in real‑world settings, by studying how learning is integrated at the individual, group, and organizational levels.

The research focuses on understanding how organizations can improve their ability to change – by learning as they go. The aim is to explore how organizations develop and learn in practice. A key premise is that existing research knowledge is often not easily applied in real‑world contexts.

“IN:CHANGE provides us with a unique opportunity to bring together and further develop our research on learning and change management in close collaboration with organizations. The ambition is to generate knowledge that is both of high scientific quality and of practical value,” says Sofia Kjellström, Professor at the School of Health and Welfare, JU.

Strategic initiative in collaboration with companies

IN:CHANGE builds on established collaborations between researchers and industry, developing these into a more long‑term and strategic research initiative. The profile encompasses several research strands which together address how organizations can strengthen their capacity for learning and adaptation in a changing environment.

The research is conducted in close dialogue with around a dozen companies and is based on their real‑world challenges. The goal is to produce results that can be applied directly within organizations. By working together, researchers and practitioners can both develop and test knowledge in practice.

“By placing learning at the centre, we can challenge linear perspectives on change management and instead understand how organizations develop their capacity for action during ongoing change,” says Annika Engström, Professor at the School of Engineering, Jönköping University.

Strong international orientation

In its assessment, the Knowledge Foundation highlights the project’s strong research agenda, clear links to the needs of industry, and the well‑developed model for collaboration as particularly significant strengths.

The initiative also has a clear international orientation and aims to build a competitive research and educational environment. An international scientific advisory board will contribute to its development.

“We are delighted that the Knowledge Foundation is supporting this research profile. The initiative provides an opportunity to further develop a research and educational environment in change management at a high international level. It also demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between JU, companies, and organizations,” says Eleonor Fransson, acting Executive Vice President, JU.