The Institutional Innovation Paradox in Interdisciplinary Research Organizations and Its Resolution Pathways —Exploring the Four-Dimensional Coupling Mechanism of Stanford University's ChEM-H as a Reference
Wang Baoxi, Xu Bingyao
College of Education,Jiangsu University,Zhenjiang 212013,China
Abstract：Interdisciplinary research organizations are crucial vehicles for advancing organized research and breaking down disciplinary barriers.However,they face a paradox:while designed to transcend traditional constraints,their structures,incentives,and evaluation systems remain embedded within existing disciplinary frameworks,leading to a“new bottle with old wine”dilemma.Based on institutional logic theory,this study constructs a four-dimensional coupling framework(objectives,power,resources,and identity)to analyze Stanford University's ChEM-H as a case study.The findings reveal that ChEM-H mitigates conflicts among diverse institutional logics through a core mission,balances academic and administrative power via a matrix governance structure,reshapes innovation reward systems through flexible resource pools and value-based incentives,and fosters interdisciplinary identity through dual embedding of physical spaces and digital platforms.This four-dimensional coupling mechanism effectively resolves common challenges such as power struggles,interest imbalances,and cultural conflicts.It provides valuable insights for Chinese universities to transition from superficial integration to substantive fusion in interdisciplinary research organizations.Three implications are proposed:①Objectives-power coupling promotes transformation from“physical aggregation”to“chemical fusion”;②Power-incentive coupling shifts governance from“rigid management”to“ecological governance”;③Incentive-identity coupling elevates culture from“metric-driven incentives”to“value-based identity”.
王宝玺, 徐冰瑶. 交叉学科研究组织运行的制度创新悖论及其破解路径——斯坦福大学ChEM-H的四维耦合机制镜鉴[J]. 中国科技论坛, 2026(6): 20-27.
Wang Baoxi, Xu Bingyao. The Institutional Innovation Paradox in Interdisciplinary Research Organizations and Its Resolution Pathways —Exploring the Four-Dimensional Coupling Mechanism of Stanford University's ChEM-H as a Reference. , 2026(6): 20-27.
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