Innovation Through Knowledge Transfer

Across the world there is growing awareness of the importance of innovation and knowledge transfer. Innovation in the sense of generating new knowledge and making better use of existing knowledge, coupled with knowledge transfer and sharing paradigms, have never been more relevant to the universities, industry, commerce and the third sector. This volume represents the proceedings of the Innovation through Knowledge Transfer 2012 Conference which formed an excellent opportunity to disseminate, share and discuss the impact of innovation, knowledge sharing, enterprise and entrepreneurship. The volume contains papers presented at a Workshop on ‘The Meta Transfer of Knowledge: Challenges in the Transfer of Knowledge in Industry’, others from thematic sessions on ‘Next-Practice in University Based Open Innovation’, ‘Social Innovation and Related Paradigms’, ‘Engagement with Industry and Commerce’ and ‘Knowledge Exchange’. All papers were thoroughly reviewed by referees knowledgeable in practical and theoretical aspects of the subject.

Knowledge transfer between universities, business and the community is a topical subject of increasing importance. The first International Conference on 'Innovation through Knowledge Transfer: Research with Impact', InnovationKT'09, held in Kingston, London, UK, provided a rare and welcome opportunity to share some of the successes of knowledge transfer. The conference attracted 150 delegates and featured 42 oral presentations. This volume, representing the proceedings of the conference, contains 35 papers based on selected conference presentations. The papers are divided into seven sections entitled ‘Key Knowledge Transfer Perspectives’, ‘Knowledge Transfer Case Studies’, ‘Innovative Knowledge Transfer Techniques’, ‘Strategic and Organisational Approaches to Knowledge Transfer’, ‘Knowledge transfer in the Arts and the Community’, ‘Knowledge Transfer Methodology and Practice’ and ‘Innovation and Enterprise’. The first InnovationKT conference was unique in gathering such a tremendous range of knowledge transfer experience and expertise. This volume forms a valuable resource for all those who are involved in knowledge transfer, or wish to know more about it. University academics can read examples of ways in which research can be commercialised, increasing impact and improving relevance. Knowledge transfer practitioners can find out about best practice in their subject and read case studies. Companies can read about how universities can help find solutions to their problems. We recommend this volume as a statement of the benefits that knowledge transfer can bring to all those involved.

This book demonstrates how managers can use and transfer knowledge more effectively to stimulate innovation in their organization in order to increase their competitive advantage. Jones and Mahon draw on their discussions with combat Veterans, whose very survival relies on their skill in transferring crucial knowledge and information quickly, effectively and efficiently. They note that in today’s competitive and fast-paced business world, these skills translate into continual innovation, metamorphosis,and ultimately success. The authors have built a conceptual framework that demonstrates to the reader how to develop the same underlying skills and to use them effectively in the business environment. With rich and lively examples throughout, Knowledge Transfer and Innovation equips students and practitioners of knowledge management, innovation, leadership and strategy with the skills, tools and strategies to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Across the world there is growing awareness of the importance of innovation and knowledge transfer. Innovation in the sense of generating new knowledge and making better use of existing knowledge, coupled with knowledge transfer and sharing paradigms, have never been more relevant to the universities, industry, commerce and the third sector. This volume represents the proceedings of the Innovation through Knowledge Transfer 2012 Conference which formed an excellent opportunity to disseminate, share and discuss the impact of innovation, knowledge sharing, enterprise and entrepreneurship. The volume contains papers presented at a Workshop on ‘The Meta Transfer of Knowledge: Challenges in the Transfer of Knowledge in Industry’, others from thematic sessions on ‘Next-Practice in University Based Open Innovation’, ‘Social Innovation and Related Paradigms’, ‘Engagement with Industry and Commerce’ and ‘Knowledge Exchange’. All papers were thoroughly reviewed by referees knowledgeable in practical and theoretical aspects of the subject.

The ways in which codified and tacit knowledge are sourced, transferred, and combined are critical in furthering open innovation. When used effectively, knowledge sharing and organizational success are significantly increased, improving products and services. The Role of Knowledge Transfer in Open Innovation is a collection of innovative research on a set of analyses, reflections, and recommendations within the framework of knowledge transfer practices in different areas of knowledge and in various industries. While highlighting topics including tacit knowledge, organizational culture, and knowledge representation, this book is ideally designed for professionals, academicians, and researchers seeking current research on the best practices for transfer of knowledge as an intermediate open innovation.

In order to strive for a competitive advantage in their industry, organizations have begun achieving innovation through knowledge-driven learning models to ensure that organizational activities are efficient and effective. Learning Models for Innovation in Organizations: Examining Roles of Knowledge Transfer and Human Resources Management provides relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical research findings to enhance knowledge management and learning competencies for organizational activities. This book offers assistance and guidance to managers and professionals of innovation firms, learning organizations, and other work communities through tools, techniques, and strategic suggestions for improvement.

This volume represents the proceedings of the Second International Conference on Innovation through Knowledge Transfer, InnovationKT’2010, organised jointly by KES International and the Institute of Knowledge Transfer, and taking place in Coventry, UK on 7&8 December 2010. Featuring world-class invited speakers and contributions from a range of backgrounds and countries, the conference provided an excellent opportunity to disseminate, share and discuss the impact of university-business interaction through knowledge transfer in all its forms. There were two main motivations in initiating the Innovation through Knowledge Transfer series. The first aim was to provide the chance for publication on a subject where few opportunities exist already. The second motivation was to foster the development of a community from the diverse range of individuals practicing knowledge transfer. It is becoming clear that the delegates of the conference are drawn from a diverse community of practice. InnovationKT’2010 has succeeded in bringing together contributions from both the academic and practitioner sections of the knowledge transfer community. The programme contained seven invited keynote talks, 40 oral presentations grouped into eight sessions, and one interactive workshop. The proceedings contain 29 chapters drawn from this material. There were 91 registered delegates drawn from 10 countries of the world. The field of knowledge transfer is still immature, but these proceedings demonstrate that InnovationKT conference is making a significant contribution to its academic development.

Business tourism is a newly coined terminology in social sciences and management literature. It is defined as individuals traveling and staying outside of their hometowns for not more than one successive year for the purpose of enjoyment and other drives (e.g., learning and business activities). Key business tourism activities include attending a variety of meetings, conferences, and workshops as well as exhibitions. Understanding the negative and positive aspects of business tourism is essential to promoting employee learning and knowledge transfer skills. Accelerating Knowledge Sharing, Creativity, and Innovation Through Business Tourism is an essential reference source that discusses how differences in cultures, communities, rituals, norms, and scope of business tourism could influence knowledge sharing practices. Moreover, this book promotes an understanding on how to learn from different cultures and enhance absorptive capacity by interacting with different personalities and cultures. Featuring research on topics such as knowledge management, social capital, and consumer behavior, this book is ideally designed for business professionals, managers, administrators, hotel executives, IT specialists, executives, entrepreneurs, managing directors, and students looking to boost their existing skills and expertise with innovation and creativity by interacting with others and in a new context.