The Fundació per a la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (FUOC, Foundation for the Open University of Catalonia) is the legal entity that encompasses the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC, Open University of Catalonia) and the IN3. Research is, alongside teaching, and knowledge spread and dissemination, one of the characteristics that defines, demarcates and sets a university apart. The essence of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, characterised for its intensive use of the full potential of information and communication technology (ICT), also sets the focus for research: the study of the effects of ICT on people, organisations and society in general, and its influence on the changes seen as we move from the industrial society to the information and knowledge society.
The IN3, as a tool to catalyse research and innovation at the University, offers institutional and administrative support to all UOC researchers and teaching staff who take part in research projects. This support includes both academic and scientific aspects of the research, and aspects involving its management, monitoring or promotion.