This project aims to explore and subsequently formulate an analytical framework for facilitating collaborative work-located learning, leading to innovation in firms.

Innovation has received much attention in the recent years in both the practitioner/consultancy and academic literature, originating from varied epistemological perspectives such as the domains of management and economics, social psychology and organisational studies. The concept of innovation has evolved from being a uni-dimensional, linear process to a systemic approach in which complex interactions between individuals, organisations and their operating environment is essential.

Within the knowledge-based segment of the economy, new service and process developments are deemed critical for the future growth and success of the firm. Compression of business life-cycles, increased business needs and intensifying competition encourages firms to systematically explore and invest in embedded learning and innovation processes.

By extension, firms’ survival is significantly linked to its absorptive capacity including the innovative calibre and efforts of the people engaged within it, and the full utilisation of the value-added collaborative technologies at their disposal. The project draws together the expertise of a number of external firms as well as the associated network of the WLE Centre and the London Knowledge Lab, University of London.