Design in Action Knowledge Exchange Process Model: Design-led Knowledge Exchange for Business Innovation

Abstract

Overview Design is no longer strictly limited to the designing and appearance of graphics and objects, the understanding of design has expanded to include methodologies for innovation applied in the development of products and services, systems and business models. Similarly, the impact of design has evolved from one of styling to an approach for improving processes and strategic thinking, and as driver of business innovation. Moreover, design is being recognised as strategic tool for public sector innovation (c.f. Design for Public Good 1 and Designing Democracy 2). Addressing its wide potential, Innovate UK's recent 'Design in Innovation Strategy 2015-2019' promises to '[a]dvocate the use of excellent, early-stage design, and raise awareness of the value of design in innovation'. Public policy imperatives The Scottish Government's Economic Strategy (2015) identifies 'innovation' as one of the four pillars of economic policy for the future of the nation. Aspirations to address the chronic productivity challenge are neither new nor confined to a single party. Every iteration of post-devolution economic strategy has taken the same aim. Throughout 2015 'Scotland Can Do' has become the strapline for an 'innovation nation'. If these words are to become reality then translating public investment in Higher Education (HE) research into broader economic benefit is critical. Knowledge Mobilisation was at the heart of Smart Successful Scotland (2004) and has remained at the heart of the productivity conundrum. The focus on spinouts has met with the inescapable reality that academics do not in the main wish to be business people. The focus on IP led to an inflated accounting bubble for intangible assets that would never be put to use. The focus on Knowledge Transfer (KT) has foundered on the sparse absorptive capacity of a limited domestic private sector. Now the focus is Knowledge Exchange (KE). Why? HE and business, indeed Scotland requires more than a more virtuous and less contractual form of KT. The Dowling Review of HE and business collaboration (2015) argues for a cultural shift beyond the short termism of vouchers, the flashy appeal of the blue chip and the need to imbed KE in academic career structures. Scotland must ask whether it is meeting the economic and social challenge. What is clear is that KE in practice is increasing, albeit without real critical debate and empirical research on the subject. Without a full examination and unpacking of the concept and value of KE; theory and it's application for the benefit of academia and industry cannot advance. Defining Knowledge Exchange KE is a relatively new term, unlike KT which denotes the process of transmitting information in a single direction. KE describes the interchange of knowledge through a collaborative approach. There are several definitions already in existence, for example,

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