The Arts, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Lab is a collaboration between the Center for Cultural Affairs at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts Research Lab program. The AEI Lab is also operated in partnership with CultureSource.
With NEA support, the AEI Lab conducts experimental and quasi-experimental empirical research to better understand the role of arts and culture in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our research lab focuses on addressing the following research topics:
Dr. Chen's research interests lie in social innovation and entrepreneurship, art nonprofits, public management and leadership, and regional economic development. Her studies examine alternative fundraising methods for social and art entrepreneurs such as crowdfunding and social innovation in distressed communities.
The AEI Lab commissions research papers from lab research fellows and other lab affiliates, broadening and deepening the lab’s research portfolio on the roles of artists and cultural assets in promoting innovation. The lab disseminates research reports for the projects it supports through special journal issues, symposia, and research workshops. AEI Lab events bring scholars and practitioners together to advance our understanding of the role of arts in entrepreneurship and innovation.
