What We Do
The Center’s work is organized around three mutually reinforcing strategic pillars that translate its mission, vision, and core values into focused areas of action.
Research Excellence and Thought Leadership
The Center creates new scientific knowledge through collaborative, world-class research on digital innovation grounded in the fields of Information Systems and Business Analytics. It emphasizes the dissemination of this knowledge through elite scholarly publications—including journals on the Association for Information Systems Senior Scholars' List of Premier Journals, the UT Dallas 24 (UTD24), and the Financial Times 50 (FT50). Its thought leadership agenda includes the development of the Distinguished CIS Research Seminar Series, the Distinguished CIS Executive Speaker Series, research workshops, and visiting-scholar engagements.
Organizational Partnerships and Sponsored Research
The Center cultivates sustained partnerships with private, public, and nonprofit organizations to address consequential challenges and opportunities in digital innovation. Its approach to engaged scholarship, sponsored research, and collaborative projects connects Kent State’s R1 research excellence with organizational practice, emphasizing the creation of new scientific knowledge and the development of evidence-based capabilities.
The Distinguished CIS Research Seminar Series, the Distinguished CIS Executive Speaker Series, and research workshops are central to its agenda for facilitating knowledge exchange among scholars, executives, and organizational partners. These priorities guide the Center’s efforts to help organizations use emerging digital technologies responsibly and effectively to create meaningful and measurable business and societal value.
Talent Development and Student Impact
The Center promotes the development of the next generation of digital leaders by complementing students’ academic programs with experiential learning, professional development, and opportunities to engage with scientific knowledge. Its talent development agenda encompasses sponsored experiential-learning projects, participation in technology initiatives, engagement with scholars and executives, and connections to scholarships, internships, and career opportunities.
These priorities emphasize the digital, analytical, managerial, and leadership skills students need to navigate and shape digital innovation effectively. The Center’s focus is on preparing students for successful careers, expanding their professional networks, and empowering them to create meaningful value for organizations and society.
