Research by Topics

Why the future never actually happens: 3 pitfalls to avoid when future-proofing

Jan, 2025 | Article

We always seem to be chasing "tomorrow," and by the time we get there, the game has changed and yesterday's strategies don't work. From present bias to linear or siloed thinking, here's how to better future-proof your thinking.

The illusion of innovation, and other pitfalls to avoid

Nov, 2024 | Article

As businesses focus in on efficiency and order, they might be losing out on true innovative potential. It's time to embrace chaos, resilience and small teams.

Cities should embrace their 'boring' nature to attract young businesses

Apr, 2024 | Article

Not every city can have a hip start-up ecosystem that appeals to young entrepreneurial organizations. When start-ups are looking to move, there's a strong pull in sleepy, steadfast cities, new research finds.

How to flourish through constraints

Apr, 2024 | Opinion

Take a lesson from the media industry: Constraints on creativity don't have to be limiting — they can be freeing.

Automating creativity: Using AI as a creative engine

Mar, 2024 | Article

Artificial intelligence is the boogeyman in the creativity industry. But it might be a great idea-generator, particularly if we can master the prompt.

Did lengthy lockdowns hamper innovation?

Jul, 2023 | Article

New research from the 1918 pandemic shows that bans on public gatherings and school closures didn't slow innovation.

The secret to changing people's minds

Apr, 2023 | Podcast

David McRaney joins the Rotman Visiting Experts podcast to explore why we live in a post-trust world, and how we can use science to change people's opinions.

Hiring more social scientists could be the solution to Canada’s innovation issue

Feb, 2023 | Opinion

To improve its ranking and return on innovation investment, Canada needs to update its outdated research and development model to attract more social scientists.