This consortium research project tackles these challenges via a multidisciplinary research approach incorporating expertise from several disciplines, namely computer science, information technology, education and behavioral sciences, linguistics and communication, as well as industrial engineering and management science.

The project focuses on the following research themes:

• Communication and interaction in and for innovation in virtual teams and
• Technology as an enabler of interaction and innovation in virtual teams.

The project applies a user-centred approach that aims at supporting human interaction and innovation with novel, intelligent technologies. Special attention will be paid on the supporting role of technological ubicomp solutions.

During the project, the team will implement in an iterative manner several prototypes of a web-based virtual space for supporting collaborative innovation in educational and company settings. The VISCI systems will offer users novel, innovative features that will be specified and developed across the project.

The project implementation will take place via three working packages:

The project will be implemented using a rapid prototyping model, where the focus of the project work is iteratively switched forth and back between the three work packages, and the whole cycle over the work packages is iteratively repeated several times. In sum, this research project will create valuable new scientific knowledge for the information society via a multidisciplinary research approach focusing on communication, interaction, and enabling technology for the advancement of collaborative innovation in virtual teams in networks of educational institutions as well in company networks.