This research line addresses both the "exploration" and the "exploitation" of industrial R&D. A combination of methods is used to investigate a wide range of issues related to industrial R&D, particularly: (1) the internationalization of production and innovation investments and (2) the Open Innovation paradigm.

In the Open Innovation paradigm, the industrial R&D lab is the core of a complex network that seeks innovation inputs from a variety of sources and through both private and public partnerships. Companies seek to capitalize on their investments through various channels such as direct commercialization, spin-off activities, and transactions in technology markets. At the same time, large and small companies are relocating and leveraging their R&D investments globally. Companies seek access to new markets, new knowledge, and cost advantages. As a result, companies need to rethink the R&D network infrastructure, communication lines, and skills.

In this context, the key question in understanding "exploration" and "exploitation" focuses on how companies manage their resources and outcomes. Specifically, the research group examines how small and large companies:

• Decentralize and control their R&D investments;
• Manage, retain, and provide the right incentives to their R&D scientists;
• Access, appropriate, manage, and commercialize their intangible assets;
• Seek and form alliances with both industrial and public partners.

Special attention is also given to the strategic management of intellectual property, a crucial issue in Open Innovation and globalization, and to the "traditional" topics in R&D management, such as individual researchers' behavior and the organization of their work in laboratories.

Several collaborations have been established in this research area. Researchers collaborate with Loccioni and Ansaldo Energia on projects for internal and external technological enhancement. From 2012-2014, a postdoctoral study on "Tuscany Open Innovation" was co-financed by Confindustria Toscana and Regione Toscana. The research team also collaborates with Intel, promoting and analyzing the impact of their global business plan competition, as well as with Telecom.