Research in Practice

Reimagining service ecosystems through human-centred innovation in an increasingly digital world. 
We investigate how organisations can embrace digital technologies— including AI — without losing sight of the people behind every service. By considering both users and staff, our work seeks to create more meaningful and inclusive experiences while advancing sustainable business practices—a priority that runs across all our research lines and shapes our approach to innovation, technology and the future of services.

Current Research Themes
César Ritz Colleges research focuses on applied and industry-relevant topics that address current challenges and support innovation:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Leadership
  Research on people-centred leadership, employee wellbeing, and workforce practices that foster inclusive, equitable, resilient, and high-performing service organisations.
   
• Sustainable Business Innovation
  Research on sustainable strategies, business models, entrepreneurship, and service innovation that create long-term value, responsible growth, and organisational adaptability.
   
• Ethical AI and Human-Centered Digital Transformation
  Research on responsible and human-centred AI and digital transformation, focusing on transparency, human-computer interaction, digital responsibility, and the implications of technology for employees, customers, organisations, and society.

We bring this goal to life by integrating research into curricula, applied learning, student engagement and faculty development.

Curriculum Relevance 
Research informs curriculum and course development, ensuring teaching remains current, relevant and connected to emerging industry needs.

Applied learning
Applied learning brings student research to life through hands-on initiatives such as the Innovation Week, where ideas are developed into practical solutions.

Student Research Engagement 
Student-led research is integrated into the bachelor’s and master’s curricula, providing students with opportunities to develop research skills through their  papers. These credit-bearing activities are supervised by research faculty whose expertise aligns with the students’ interests.

Faculty development
Research Workshops and targeted training help our faculty strengthen their research skills, from academic and grant writing to research methods and AI tools.Our research community develops its capabilities through conferences, seminars, workshops, supported by training in academic writing, grant writing, research methods and AI tools.

César Ritz Colleges collaborates with industry and professional communities to generate, share, and apply knowledge, fostering knowledge transfer and strengthening global partnerships. Through these collaborations, research findings are connected to professional practice, supporting innovation, addressing real-world challenges, and creating value beyond academia.

Current research collaboration 
The Business of Ageing in Hospitality SIG – ICHRIE connects academics and industry to advance research and collaboration on ageing, longevity, and hospitality.

International Conference Hosting
From major international events such as EuroCHRIE 2001, the IPoE Forum 2026 and ICTR 2027 to more intimate campus-based events, César Ritz Colleges creates spaces for exchange, connection and collaboration. Our International Research Conference (IRC), usually held every two years, and our Research Colloquia (link) offer further opportunities to engage with researchers, share ongoing work and foster dialogue.

Learn more about next research events.