LARA (APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY)
LaRA, the Applied Research Laboratory at ICD, supports the individual publication activities of faculty members, while ensuring the overall coherence of research activities within the professional poles. ICD's research aims to understand the transformations underway in the field of business development, to innovate with new approaches that respond to the contextual and structural complexity of global business, and to identify the new professional skills needed by employers.

Research Organization
The Applied Research Laboratory (LaRA) at ICD Business School structures its work around four main research pillars:
- Marketing, Innovation, and Commerce: This pillar explores the evolution of marketing and commerce in response to technological innovations and societal challenges. Research focuses on consumer behavior, new business models, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart cities.
- CSR, Ethics, and the Anthropocene: This pillar examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the context of the Anthropocene. It seeks to rethink economic practices by integrating sustainability ethics and ecosystem partnerships while addressing global environmental and social challenges.
- Pedagogical Innovation: This area emphasizes the development of new teaching methods adapted to contemporary needs, particularly through the use of digital technologies to ensure inclusive education and prepare students for future careers.
- Center of Expertise in Data and AI: This pillar focuses on leveraging data and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions across various domains while strengthening students' and researchers' analytical and strategic skills.
The Scientific Committee
As part of its strategic positioning, ICD Business School has restructured its scientific committee to better address contemporary research challenges.
This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the research policy aligns with the institution’s strategic and educational orientations. It also supports the Director of Research in defining and implementing scientific policies while providing managerial guidance to the research team.
Comprising experts and renowned academics, the committee brings together specialists whose work aligns with LaRA’s four strategic pillars. Their expertise ensures an informed, innovative vision that adapts to the evolving disciplines covered by the laboratory while reinforcing the academic and societal impact of the school’s research initiatives.
Achievements
The LaRA (Applied Research Laboratory) at ICD Business School has achieved significant growth in its scientific output between 2020 and 2024.
Quantitative Increase in Publications
- The total number of classified journal publications increased from 12 in 2019 to 47 in 2024.
Significant Improvement in Publication Quality
- Level 1 and 2 journal articles increased from 16 in 2019-2020 to 30 in 2023-2024.
- Level 3 and 4 journal articles increased from 10 in 2019-2020 to 17 in 2023-2024.
Diversification of Intellectual Contributions
Continued production of other intellectual contributions, including books, press articles, videos, and pedagogical case studies.
Development of a partnership with Ellipses Publishing for book publications.
Priority Areas of Expertise
LaRA researchers have particularly focused on two key areas of expertise:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Strengthening Collective Research Initiatives
LaRA has implemented several initiatives to stimulate collective research efforts:
- Organization of research seminars
- Hosting of academic conferences
- Facilitation of research workshops
These achievements have strengthened ICD Business School’s position in the academic landscape, particularly in the fields of CSR, sustainable development, and AI.