Dr. Annmarie Ryan

Research Interests

Partnering between corporate and nonprofits for innovation
The focus of my phd was the relationship between a corporation and a nonprofit arts organisation. Since then i have been interested in how both parties can learn from each other to co-create solutions that would not be possible on their own. A logical extension of this is to consider how partnering between corporations and nonprofit organisation can be a source of innovation. I am beginning a new project in this area which will trace the emergence of innovations in such partnerships; both market and societal based.

market innovation and innovation process
What does it takes to actualize innovation? In this research I consider the multiple actors and actions required to bring about innovation in markets. For example I have been working with W.I Onyas to trace the ongoing efforts instigated by an exporter to bring about, and transform a mainstream market into, a new sustainable market; a market designed to advance ecological and social sustainability goals. In a paper published in Industrial Marketing Management, we draw attention to the diverse and heterogeneous composite – a socio-technical agencement – whose transformative connections collectively reconfigure and transform the mainstream market into a sustainable market. The paper illustrates the ongoing character of market innovation and reveals the agencing work involved in bringing about the agencement and capacitating agencies to realize market innovation. I plan to continue work in this area, with particular attention to be given to the role of design and multidisciplinary teams in actualising innovation in firms.

Network effects: The role of Cities of Culture in building an art sponsorship/corporate engagement sector at a regional level
In this research project I am examining how Cities of Culture Programmes shape and capacitate corporate engagement with the arts at a regional level. Given the growing significance of CoC programmes as a method for economic regeneration, it is important that we understand fully how to effectively use these programmes to develop a strong base for corporate engagement in the arts. By conducting empirical research on Limerick's National CoC, this research will result in a) development of an arts-business-academic network via proposed research advisory group and b) a stakeholder conference, and c) discussion document to be published online. The work will also be published in a high ranking peer reviewed journal.