Center for Cooperative Problem Solving

The Center for Cooperative Problem Solving, at Virginia Tech, seeks to advance Adaption-Innovation (A-I) theory, and the KAI, through teaching, research, and outreach. Our vision is to develop leaders and teams who value cognitive diversity to address the problems of today and tomorrow. The mission of the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving is to create a global community of leaders and teams who research, teach, and apply Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory (KAI), with humility and respect, and value cognitive diversity for addressing the problems of today and tomorrow. The following efforts have been identified as priorities of the Center: Teaching of KAI Accreditation Courses, Master Classes, and KAI Events for the continuing education of KAI practitioners around the world. Providing instruction for graduate courses associated with the Problem Solving for Leading Change graduate certificate, a twelve credit-hour certificate offered through on-campus and online learning environments. Facilitating community viability through leadership workshops and trainings for cooperative extension personnel, local government officials, and community leaders. Implementing a multi-institutional research agenda to examine the further application of A-I theory as it relates to areas of problem solving, leadership, community viability, team science, organizational and societal change, systems thinking, and behavioral health. Building a community of KAI practitioners around the world through mentoring programs, research symposia, collaborative workshops, and educational sessions.