Knowledge transfer in collaborative research; A case study of the development of firms’ capabilities for innovation in collaborative research

Abstract

This study is based on a collaborative research project between ten industry partners and two universities. The aim of the project is to develop a new material that will hopefully replace existing solutions in the market that is less environmental friendly. The purpose of this study is to investigate how knowledge transfer could stimulate and lead to firms’ development of capabilities for innovations. In this thesis a qualitative approach was chosen in order to answer the research questions. This study is based on an perception and assumption that if knowledge was transferred in a more effective manner within the collaboration, the partners would benefit in their development of capabilities for innovation. To enhance the transfer of knowledge the project should create a dynamic and flexible structure where the partners is given the opportunity to interact and share experience. By creating an environment that enables the partners to meet with each other in an informal manner more knowledge and ideas might be created and shared. These informal and dynamic environments will also be good opportunities for the partners to share their motives by each other. It might be found that some of the partners possess valuable knowledge that would help the project to proceed, this will give the partners the feeling of contribution which will also enhance their commitment to the research progress. Increased interaction between the partners would led to that the partners will get to know each other more. By building trust between the participants will open up for confidence in each other's capabilities and ideas for how knowledge can be combined and used in new ways.