We invite submissions to Special Track 8.2 at R&D Management 2026, dedicated to the role of Artificial Intelligence and big data in open innovation.
🔍 Focus of the track
How do AI and data-driven approaches transform:
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Partner search, matching, and collaboration governance
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Knowledge recombination and technological diversification
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Open innovation, ecosystems, and mission-oriented initiatives
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University–industry, public–private, and cross-sector collaborations
We welcome conceptual, empirical, and methodological papers, using qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, or computational approaches, drawing on data from patents, publications, platforms, and digital traces.
🧠 Topics include (but are not limited to):
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AI-driven partner discovery and matching
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Knowledge distance, complementarities, and recombination
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Platform-mediated collaboration and innovation ecosystems
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Network analysis of innovation and collaboration
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Absorptive capacity and tacit knowledge exchange
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Cross-sector and cross-regional knowledge flows
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AI-enabled breakthrough and radical innovation
🗓 Submission deadline: February 2, 2026
📨 Submit here: https://www.rnd2026.org/submission
📌 Track details: https://www.rnd2026.org/track-details-1/theme-8.2
🌐 Conference: https://www.rnd2026.org/
We strongly encourage early-stage ideas, mature papers, and interdisciplinary contributions.
👉 Submit your work and join the conversation on the future of AI-enabled open innovation.
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Giulio Ferrigno
Senior Assistant Professor
Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
Pisa
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