Innovation and Idea Flow at U.S. International Campuses

This article explores some of the components of innovation that U.S. universities abroad can seize, or in some cases have seized, upon to maximize information flow, productivity, and idea generation at their overseas institutions. Using research in psychology, education, economics, and other fields, the article identifies the following as among the contributing factors to innovation: regular congregation among members of knowledge communities, commingling with others for extended periods of time, retrieval of information from other knowledge ecosystems, and professional efficacy. Attention is given to discussing how U.S. campuses abroad are in a unique position to nourish such components of innovation.