The NTNU information systems group conducts research in a wide range of topics related to the application of IT-systems in practice in organizations and among individuals. The group is characterised by a research focus on how technology may benefit users and their organisations by supporting relevant work tasks i.e. ICT in use in various domains, including both public and private sector. This may operate either directly by providing methods for developing and evolving useful technology, by improving the understanding of how users and organisations may best make use of technology.

Clearly, a focus on use and users of technology is in itself not unique. The unique profile of our IS group is tied to how this influences: our relationships with external partners (longitudinal and deep), our approach (pragmatic and interactive), choice of themes (relevance and significance) and research method (mixing qualitative and quantitative modes of inquiry as appropriate). A characteristic and strong aspect of our group is the close collaboration with external partners such as technology vendors, consultants, user organisations (both private and public) and national agencies. This is manifest in the significant number of externally financed research projects, the active role in establishing and running national and international network arenas, as well as spin-offs and other contributions to innovation.

A key element of our strategy is capitalising on the collaboration with user organisations to get better validation of research results to be able to publish more in high-quality journals. The overall research output is more than doubled over the last decade, and the number of journal publications has increased even more.

We teach undergraduate and graduate courses in information system and related areas such as HCI and CSCW, which provide knowledge and understanding of large scale industry contexts. We offer our students an education that prepares them to take leading roles in complex projects involving how to take ICT into use in practice.