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The T-shaped model of education, which combines a broad understanding of various IT domains with deep expertise in a specific area, is a valuable approach for preparing students to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams. However, the role of T-shaped experts in academic research deserves more attention. This abstract explores how T-shaped expertise can enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, foster innovation, and advance IT academic research.The T-shaped model enables researchers to bridge disciplinary boundaries and collaborate across diverse fields within IT academia. Interdisciplinary collaboration, a key aspect of the T-shaped approach, allows researchers to integrate their strengths to address complex problems, leading to innovative solutions and transformative discoveries. It also promotes a holistic understanding of IT phenomena and uncovers new research opportunities at the intersection of technology, society, and the environment.Effective communication and collaboration skills are emphasised in the T-shaped approach, facilitating interdisciplinary research endeavours. By fostering a culture of open dialogue and knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary teams can leverage the collective intelligence of their members and maximise the impact of their research outcomes.This abstract also presents the methodology of managing, maintaining, and developing a team of T-shaped members, using the Laboratory of Service Systems at the Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, as an example. The laboratory’s wide-ranging aims include Smart Service systems, such as Smart Cities, the application of Open Data, data quality investigation, analytical work in the domain of Smart services, and methodological expertise in the domain of Smart Cities. The lab members collaborate in synergy, work on various types of projects, grow through these experiences, and contribute to the lab’s diverse tasks. Their T-shaped knowledge is crucial for achieving this synergy. The paper also discusses the successful collaboration of the lab with external partners, such as companies and public institutions, and how it benefits both the academic and the practical aspects of the research. Best practices will be presented in the paper.
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