The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR) and the Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy at Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have established a new partnership to strengthen research, education and international exchange around science, technology and innovation. 

The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding brings together two institutions that share an interest in understanding how science, technology and innovation shape economies and societies, and how they can be governed to address economic, social and environmental challenges. 

The two institutions come from different contexts, but there is a striking amount of common ground. MIOIR’s work spans science and innovation policy, innovation management, emerging technologies and their governance, sustainable transitions, and the geography of innovation. KAIST’s Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy brings together perspectives from innovation studies and public policy alongside science and technology studies, history and philosophy of science, sociology, economics, management and international development. 

One particularly interesting aspect of KAIST’s approach is its ambition to “humanise” science, technology and innovation, placing technological development within its wider societal, ethical and policy contexts. This resonates strongly with MIOIR’s own approach to studying innovation and its relationship with organisations, institutions, policies and places. 

Finding common ground 

A first joint research workshop, in October 2026 following the signing of the MoU, gave colleagues the chance to learn more about each other’s work. What was particularly striking was the breadth of the connections, some expected and others emerging through the conversation itself. 

AI is one obvious example. Manchester researchers are investigating how AI is changing scientific practice, organisational adoption and innovation, while KAIST researchers are examining AI in society, research integrity, scientific teams, ethics and governance. These different perspectives open up interesting questions about how AI might change not only technologies, but the organisation and practice of science itself. 

There are also strong connections around the increasingly international and geopolitical character of science and innovation, including international research collaboration, research security, science diplomacy, commercialisation and global technology flows. 

Other shared interests span digital transformation, innovation systems, sustainability, societal challenges, demand-side innovation policy and public procurement. Both institutions also have a strong interest in policy engagement and in connecting research with the organisations and policymakers shaping science and innovation systems.

Looking ahead 

An important part of the partnership will be creating opportunities for doctoral and early-career researchers, as well as established academics. Joint seminars, researcher visits and exchanges are among the possibilities already being explored. 

A first major opportunity will be the Academy on Science and Innovation in Manchester, taking place on 5–9 April 2027. Developed with KAIST, Georgia Tech, the University of Johannesburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Innovations and Systems Research. The Academy will bring together students and faculty for an intensive programme of learning and exchange. 

It provides an early opportunity to put the new partnership into practice, building relationships between researchers and creating space for new ideas and collaborations to emerge. 

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