Research profile

Ina Drejer is professor in innovation studies at Aalborg University Business School (AAUBS) and a member of the IKE Research Group. 
A recurring theme in her work is the importance of collaboration between universities and businesses for innovation and economic development. Her research highlights that factors such as geographical proximity and the nature of the partner play a crucial role in sustained collaborations. This is particularly relevant for strengthening regional innovation systems and ensuring close connections between knowledge institutions and industry.
Another key focus is labor market dynamics in different geographical contexts. She has e.g. explored how university graduates' mobility and career choices are influenced by their location in metropolitan areas or peripheral regions. Her findings indicate that geographical location significantly impacts employment opportunities and wage development, with important implications for regional policy and development.
She has also contributed to understanding how supplier companies and public institutions can adapt to handle technological changes, global competition, and new paradigms for citizen engagement. 
She has participated in national and international research projects on topics such as the role of universities in innovation and regional development, place-based development, regional dynamics and inequalities, and the green transition. She also has several years of experience as a policymaker in national and regional innovation policy, focusing on fostering university-industry collaboration and evaluating the impact of policy initiatives.