The research unit is mainly placed within the qualitative paradigm by its focus on case-based studies and action research that rests on an abductive and emergent methodological approach. The primary methods are interviews, observations, document analysis, intervening methods, design thinking, user-driven innovation and culture analysis. Also, the unit works with method development.
The theoretical foundation for the empirical work of the unit is interdisciplinary.
As part of the applied perspective, the research unit seeks out and cultivates collaboration with external partners, including municipalities, organisations and companies. Central arenas as part of the unit's research fields are schools, sports clubs, and organisations as well as companies working in PPI cooperation (Public Private Innovation).
The theoretical foundation of the unit's empirical work is multidisciplinary and involves cultural historical theory and activity theory (Vygotsky, 1978, Leontjev 2002 and Engeström), group psychology (Yalom, 2005) Communities of Practice (Wenger, 1998), situated learning (Lave and Wenger, 1991), traditions of ecological theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), system and learning theories (Bateson, 1979; Lewin, 1939 and Luhmann, 1993), social analytic theory and pedagogy of creativity (Hammershøj 2012), innovation theory (Scharmer 2009) and Culture analytical approaches (Schein, 1990 and Eichberg, 2007).
