Problems and Solutions in Knowledge Transfer

Abstract

Innovation arises from interactions betweenorganizations, which requires a cognitive distance sufficiently large to yieldnovel ideas, but small enough for understanding. Problems in the transfer ofknowledge to small firms include expressing tacit knowledge, and absorbing newknowledge when it needs to replace existing tacit knowledge. In addition totheseproblems of learning or competence development, there are alsoissues of governance in the management of relational risks and knowledgespillovers. An underlying theory of knowledge is needed for an analysis of knowledgetransfer. An interactionist, constructivist perspective considers absorptivecapacity, the idea of a firm as a focusing device, and cognitive distancebetween firms. Analyzes issues of organizational and networkgovernance,andthe degree to which existing knowledge in the firm and the newknowledge to be transferred to the firm are tacit (rather than formalized). Thetacitness of existing knowledge on the part of the recipient also presents anobstacle because of the limitation of absorptive capacity. Solutions to the problems of knowledge transfer are considered. Theanalysis yields a number of tasks and functions for regional innovationsystems, and suggests institutions that may have to be provided in innovationsystems. (TNM)

Keywords: Regional innovation systems, Absorptive capacity, Cognitive distance, Knowledge spillovers, Coordination, Knowledge transfer, Innovation process, Communication, Diffusion of innovations, Core competencies, Learning networks, Intermediaries, Organizational learning, Intergroup relations, Firm management, Cooperation, Tacit knowledge