Yahoo Expands Research Labs in Search of Personalized, Mobile Experiences

The rejuvenated research labs at Yahoo are investigating ways to predict what users want and new forms of mobile hardware.

There are many conflicting opinions about what troubled Web giant Yahoo must do to turn itself around, but critics and company leaders at least agree on one thing: fresh ideas must be part of the solution. As a result, Ron Brachman, head of the research division Yahoo Labs, finds himself working closely with new CEO Marissa Mayer, who took charge of the company in 2012. There is a lot of two-way dialogue with Marissa and her senior staff, Brachman says. They expect us to be the thoughtful leaders in innovation that can tell you where the world and technology are going.