Publication

Abstract : Live-in-Labs is an innovative approach to experiential learning for rapid translational research for the development of rural villages of India. It is designed as an ecosystem for multidisciplinary university student teams, field practitioners and researchers to jointly explore global sustainable development challenges and collaboratively design technology-based solutions. Within the context of Rogers' innovation diffusion theory, we expand the innovation-related attributes to understand students' rate of adoption and perceived value of the Live-in-Labs experience. In our research study, 99 students from an MBA program participated, supported by 9 faculty members. A 5-point Likert scale survey was administered to evaluate seven independent variables hypothesized to be factors that positively affect innovation adoption. Diffusion of innovation theory as operationalized in this study to predict adoption of Live-in-Labs, indicated that attributes such as Relative Advantage, Compatibility, Ease of Use and Department Support were positively related to adoption, with Ease of Use being the strongest contributor. Gender did not have any significant influence on adoption. Holistic experiential programs with translational research for social impact has thus far been relatively infrequent in the context of business education but has a great potential for simultaneously benefiting students and the rural community.