Ethics and Innovation in the Age of AI

The Jesuit Way for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Pedagogy and Practice

Lead Researchers:

Lanny Vincent
In collaboration with Aaron Willis, Chris Kitts, and Alex Zecevic

Is there a distinctively Jesuit way to innovate and lead entrepreneurial efforts?
This project investigates how the rise of artificial intelligence is shaping perceptions of innovation in crowdfunding. By examining both lab and field settings, the study analyzes whether audiences value or discount products when AI involvement is revealed. The research highlights the subtle ways in which signaling AI use influences perceptions of creativity, skill, and product appeal.

Research Overview

In June 2020, the Ciocca Center funded a research initiative led by Lanny Vincent. The study explored how Ignatian values shape the practice of innovation in Jesuit higher education.

Core Research Questions

Is there a Jesuit way for entrepreneurial efforts to innovate?

If so, what is it?
What are the implications for Jesuit universities, especially those with both business and engineering schools?

These questions reflect SCU’s identity as “The Jesuit University in Silicon Valley.”

Methodology

Originally planned as in-person visits to 10 Jesuit institutions, the study adapted to COVID-19 by conducting Zoom interviews across 8 universities.

Participants were nominated by deans for their leadership in innovation initiatives.

Theological and historical context was provided through a deep dive into the Society of Jesus, guided by historian Aaron Willis.

Key Findings: The Jesuit Way of Innovating
Accompanied Discernment Reflective decision-making rooted in community and purpose. Inclusive, Empathetic Collaboration Welcoming diverse voices with intentional listening and humility. Purpose Beyond Self-Interest A drive to serve the greater good, to be with and for others. “If there are Jesuit seeds to innovation, they come not only from the humanities, but from a curiosity rooted in the belief that God is already at work, and our role is to align with and further that work.” — Fr. Greg Konz, S.J. (Fairfield University)

Key Findings: The Jesuit Way of Innovating

Accompanied Discernment
Reflective decision-making rooted in community and purpose.
Inclusive, Empathetic Collaboration
Welcoming diverse voices with intentional listening and humility.
Purpose Beyond Self-Interest
A drive to serve the greater good, to be with and for others.

“If there are Jesuit seeds to innovation, they come not only from the humanities, but from a curiosity rooted in the belief that God is already at work, and our role is to align with and further that work.”

— Fr. Greg Konz, S.J. (Fairfield University)

Implications for Jesuit Universities:

Encourage students and faculty to pursue innovation as a calling.

Frame entrepreneurship as a tool to strengthen communities and promote human flourishing.
Redefine success through value-driven outcomes, not just transactions.

Recommendation: Jesuit institutions should form a cross-disciplinary working group (business + engineering) to co-develop a shared vision of Jesuit innovation.

Supported by the Ciocca Center

The Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provided funding and advisory support.
Special thanks to:

Professor Chris Kitts (Faculty Advisory Board Chair)
Executive Director Chris Norris

This project was published as a peer-reviewed article:
“A Jesuit Way of Innovating?” Jesuit Higher Education Journal, 2022