Article in press. Knowledge transfer dynamics and innovation: Behaviour, interactions and aggregated outcomes
article
Innovation systems theory stresses the central importance of knowledge and the transfer of knowledge
between the different actors of an innovation system, yet there are no methodological tools to systematically
analyse the dynamics of such relationships. In this paper, we propose a multi-disciplinary
approach drawing on social psychology to integrate innovation systems and knowledge transfer theory.
We focus the empirical efforts for validating this approach in the water sector. Although Water
Operator Partnerships are conceptualised to share best practices via knowledge transfer, our findings
based on empirical evidence indicate clear points of consensus as well as issues of conflict in the dynamics
of knowledge transfer between water operators engaged in such partnerships. The results
indicate qualitative differences in goals of knowledge transfer as well as sources of differences and
asymmetries in motivations, pressures and capabilities in the knowledge transfer process.
between the different actors of an innovation system, yet there are no methodological tools to systematically
analyse the dynamics of such relationships. In this paper, we propose a multi-disciplinary
approach drawing on social psychology to integrate innovation systems and knowledge transfer theory.
We focus the empirical efforts for validating this approach in the water sector. Although Water
Operator Partnerships are conceptualised to share best practices via knowledge transfer, our findings
based on empirical evidence indicate clear points of consensus as well as issues of conflict in the dynamics
of knowledge transfer between water operators engaged in such partnerships. The results
indicate qualitative differences in goals of knowledge transfer as well as sources of differences and
asymmetries in motivations, pressures and capabilities in the knowledge transfer process.
Topics
TNO Identifier
572977
Source
Journal of Cleaner Production, pp. 1-13.
Pages
1-13