About I3R

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) is a new kind of institute.

Mission

Driven by purpose, we pioneer solutions to wicked problems through convergence research across academic, industry, government, and non-profit sectors to make a positive societal impact by creating and deploying innovations at scale.

Vision

I3R at the University of Arkansas will be the recognized leader in convergence research for societal impact and the preeminent partner in creating and deploying comprehensive, transformative and scalable innovations that stimulate economic growth and improve health and well-being in Arkansas and beyond.

Strategy

The I³R blueprint for success has four key components:

Collaboratories

Our framework for the people and spaces that make convergence a reality. Collaboratories of People who are adaptable, driven by purpose, and vested in addressing the institute’s grand challenge as part of a convergent team. Collaboratories of Physical and Digital Spaces where convergent teams engage – deliberating ideas, leveraging knowledge and expertise, and taking action.

Education and Empowerment

Educating and empowering tomorrow’s generation is the cornerstone of I³R’s lasting and sustainable impact. It begins with professional development and research opportunities for our own team, extends to University of Arkansas, and in alignment with the university’s land grant mission, reaches all corners of the state and beyond. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all and empowering women and other groups underrepresented in the workforce.

Research Excellence and Innovation

We uphold rigorous standards in pioneering novel solutions to ‘wicked’ problems to propel our university and the region as research leaders.

Growing Wheel of Impact

We use the expertise, resources, and opportunities available within the university system and leverage the assets present in our unique geographic location to deploy scalable innovations.

Our History

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is distinguished by a dual mandate to advance research excellence and impact economic development. Established through a landmark gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, I3R is charged with leading transformation of the research, innovation and economic development culture of the University of Arkansas resulting in an institution that is deeply engaged in the state’s private sector industries, and which is, in turn, further enhanced by the strength and success of the private sector.

It is further rooted in the belief that convergence - the merging of ideas, approaches, and technologies from widely diverse fields of knowledge and industry practices – applied in expeditious, agile and adaptive ways is the key to stimulating discovery and innovation to address the Grand Challenges of today.

Comprised of collaborative, diverse, and inclusive teams that are driven by purpose, I3R pioneers solutions to ‘wicked’ problems through convergence research across academic, industry, government, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors to make a positive societal impact by creating and deploying innovations at scale.

I3R is an integral part of the university’s 150 Forward strategic plan and has a bold vision to be the recognized leader in convergence research for societal impact and the preeminent partner in creating and deploying comprehensive, transformative and scalable innovations that stimulate economic growth and improve health and well-being in Arkansas and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

I3R was created to transform the research, innovation and economic development culture of the University of Arkansas resulting in an institution that is deeply engaged in the state’s private sector industries, and which is in turn further enhanced by the strength and success of the private sector.

Convergence is the merging of ideas, approaches, and technologies from widely diverse fields of knowledge and industry practices – applied in expeditious, agile and adaptive ways is the key to stimulating discovery and innovation to address the Grand Challenges of today.

Most research institutions focus on discovery and development. Some venture into delivery. I3R’s goal is deployment of innovations at scale through partnerships with industry and educating and empowering a diverse and qualified workforce. This will move technology through Technology Readiness Level 9 to ensure positive societal impact.

Grand Challenges are problems that will not be solved by one discipline alone. They require convergence: the merging of ideas, approaches, and technologies from widely diverse fields of knowledge and industry practices – applied in expeditious, agile and adaptive ways is the key to stimulating discovery and innovation.

I3R’s new state-of-the-art building will open late 2024. Details will be made available in the coming months.

Organizational Structure