Scientific knowledge and implications for its diffusion

Abstract

Considers some external aspects influencing the dynamics of firms’ knowledge base. Argues that the successful management of the knowledge base in a fast changing innovative environment is closely related to three kinds of knowledge acquisition channels, these are: the recruitment of people; the external informal networks of employees; and formal cooperation of the firm with other institutional agents. Focusing on firms’ interaction with research institutions, suggests a typology of scientific knowledge which allows us to analyse how different types of knowledge are associated with different knowledge acquisition channels. Because of the close interlinkages among the channels, knowledge (unlike information) is not freely floating in the system. Rather, its effective transfer and commercial exploitation is contingent on the mobility of people, as well as the extent to which they draw on their informal networks. Spells out some of the implications for recruitment policy and firm location.

Creating entrepreneurial networks: academic entrepreneurship, mobility and collaboration during PhD education

“…Entrepreneurial activities are likewise dependent on personal networks, as these can provide the necessary knowledge, employees or capital under conditions of uncertainty (Aldrich et al 1987;Liebeskind et al 1996;Zellner and Fornahl 2002;Shane and Cable 2002). Interaction with entrepreneurs in networks can also provide inspiration and "mental models" i.e.…”

The Regional Dimension of Knowledge Transfers—A Behavioral Approach

“…Thus, he needs to access not only internal knowledge but also external knowledge held by other members of the same knowledge base (Beise and Stahl, 1999;Zellner and Fornahl, 2002). External knowledge refers to knowledge that the agent does not possess, which is not within trivial reach (Arndt, 2000) and for which he does possess the corresponding absorptive capacity.…”

“…Random occasions, shared career episodes or membership in the same clubs provide situations of inter-personal contact, which can result in the origin of a social network. The obtained information about each others' competencies and knowledge allows the actors to directly contact the person who holds the knowledge searched for (Zellner and Fornahl, 2002).…”

“…Normally they are followed by other face-to-face encounters that can become regular and repeated events. The direct face-to-face interaction is the key not only for the establishment of networks but also for the maintenance of social networks (Zellner and Fornahl, 2002;Fornahl, 2005).…”

The effect of employing knowledge workers from technologically advanced countries: The knowledge spillover caused by the mobility of knowledge workers in electronic industries in Asia

“…The mobility of knowledge workers therefore plays a central role in the spillover of knowledge and ultimately in economic growth. Additionally, informal networks and labor mobility are closely linked with respect to their emergence and re-configuration [13]. Cross ability to create and share knowledge in social networks [14].…”