Institutional Logics and the Strategies and Practices of Interdisciplinary Research Centres: Competition or Convergence?

ABSTRACT Drawing on data from two interdisciplinary research centres in a German university, this study seeks to understand the extent to which different institutional logics influence the strategies and practices of interdisciplinary research centres, as well as how university actors accommodate the various logics in their work. Professional logics were predominant in shaping the work practices of academics, whereas market and industry logics played a larger role for middle management, especially in establishing the credibility of interdisciplinary research in terms of its capacity to generate external funding. Reflecting a managerial logic, interdisciplinarity was framed as a way to enhance the profile and international reputation of the university. The convergence of professional and market and industry logics was most salient during the process of seeking funding, as well as during centre meetings when directors and academics sought to establish how scientific interests were aligned with the priorities of external funders and industry partners.