Jönköping, June 2026 – The newly launched research profile IN:CHANGE at Jönköping University (JU) has been awarded SEK 40 million by the Knowledge Foundation (KK‑stiftelsen), with an additional equivalent contribution from 13 partner companies in the form of expertise, time, and resources. The initiative aims to deepen understanding of how organizations can manage change more effectively and create sustainable workplaces in collaboration with industry.
The research focuses on why established organizational knowledge is often difficult to apply in practice. By studying change processes at the individual, group, and organizational levels, IN:CHANGE will generate new insights into how organizations learn and adapt in real-world settings.
Professor Sofia Kjellström from JU’s School of Health and Welfare emphasized the project’s dual value: “The ambition is to generate knowledge that is both of high scientific quality and of practical value.” Similarly, Professor Annika Engström from the School of Engineering highlighted the initiative’s focus on placing learning at the center of organizational change.
The program builds on existing collaborations with industry, transforming them into a long-term strategic initiative. Research will be conducted in close dialogue with companies, ensuring that findings can be applied directly to organizational challenges.
The Knowledge Foundation praised the project’s strong research agenda, clear industry relevance, and collaborative model. With a strong international orientation, IN:CHANGE will also establish a competitive research and educational environment supported by an international scientific advisory board.
Acting Executive Vice President Eleonor Fransson noted: “This initiative provides an opportunity to further develop a research and educational environment in change management at a high international level. It also demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between JU, companies, and organizations.”
By combining academic expertise with industry-driven challenges, IN:CHANGE is set to become a cornerstone in advancing organizational learning and sustainable change management both in Sweden and internationally.
