Managing knowledge for innovation: Multiple case studies in science-based R&D in Thailand
Barbara Igel
Associate Professor, School of Management, Asian Institute of Technology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, Thailand
Somchai Numprasertchai
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Chatujak, Bangkok, Thailand
PP: 404
Abstract
The most important notion of knowledge management (KM) is the organization's ability to create, transfer, use, store and reuse knowledge. Universities are widely regarded not only as teaching establishments but also as organizations that conduct research to create new knowledge, and innovation. As such, KM is likely to play a significant role in improving and sustaining universities' research and innovation capabilities. This paper presents findings on managing knowledge within the innovation processes currently applied by three successful research units in Thai universities.
Initial findings gained through multiple case studies indicate that: (1) knowledge integration is the most important KM process enhancing the research units' innovation capability; (2) the most difficult process in managing knowledge is the transfer of individual knowledge from the researchers and integrates it into the organization; (3) while the research teams prefer collaborating with researchers from other national and international organizations to enhance their capabilities, the trust established through personal contacts is the key for research collaboration success.
Keywords
knowledge management, innovation, science-based research, Thailand, knowledge integration, knowledge transfer, personal trust, research collaboration
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