scholarly journals Knowledge translation mechanisms in open innovation: the role of design in R&D projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1406-1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Simeone ◽  
Giustina Secundo ◽  
Giovanni Schiuma

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of design as a knowledge translation mechanism in R&D-oriented open innovation. In particular, the paper intends to look at how design can be used as a means of knowledge transfer among various stakeholders who speak different languages and have divergent needs and interests in a process where knowledge openly flew across the boundaries of a high number of organizations. Design/methodology/approach The paper combines the insights from theory with the empirical evidences gathered by adopting an extreme case study approach: the detailed analysis of a case study related to an R&D project funded by the European Commission and aimed to investigate and produce innovative serious games in the area of healthcare. The project gathered a large number of stakeholders and deliberately adopted design to support an open innovation approach. Findings The paper provides insights into the use of design outputs such as artifacts, sketches, visual representations or prototypes to translate ideas, theoretical and technical requirements, documents and outputs into formats that can be more easily understood and appreciated by various stakeholders. This supports and favors coordination in open innovation projects where many different stakeholders are engaged in. Research limitations/implications Although the adoption of an extreme case study approach offers important implications to understand the role of design in R&D-oriented open innovation, the use of a single case study represents the basis both to explore hypothesis and to provide first evidences that need to be further tested with other qualitative and quantitative analysis. Practical implications The paper offers practical implications about how design can help individuals and organizations involved in R&D activities to better communicate and share knowledge among various stakeholders by aligning their different needs, interests and languages along the various phases of their project development. Originality/value The originality of the paper lays at the intersection of three different fields: open innovation, knowledge management and design for innovation, thus integrating mature, but so far isolated, research streams. It provides insights for theory building by explaining the use of design as knowledge translational mechanism as well as it informs the practice by highlighting the power of design as a mean to support knowledge flows into open innovation-based R&D projects.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.


Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheeja Sivaprasad ◽  
Sudha Mathew

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the corporate governance practices in the UK. The authors adopt a case study approach and use content analysis, using internal and external media releases as well as annual reports to analyse the impact of the pandemic on governance practices. Design/methodology/approach The research design is qualitative in nature and adopts a case study approach. HSBC, an international bank, is used as the case study and a content analysis of internal and external information released after the COVID-19 outbreak is used. Themes arising from the analysis are discussed and recommendations are made. Findings Results from the thematic analysis show that firms must be resilient in difficult times, follow sustainable practices and are attentive to the well-being of their employees. Firms must address the adequacy of IT Infrastructure and assess the IT related risks during these times. Practical implications The pandemic crisis triggered unprecedented changes in the manner the firms are governed and managed. The recommendations made by the study have practical implications for firms who can adopt them to be make the business resilient and sustainable. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of the pandemic and analyse firms’ responses to the crisis in the corporate governance context. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing insights of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1654-1682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawwad Z. Raja ◽  
Thomas Frandsen

Purpose Previous research has predominately focused on the servitization strategies of western manufacturers in advanced economies, neglecting the potential for servitization in those which are emerging, such as China. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the external service partner network of a European manufacturer providing services in China, in order to develop a better understanding of the resulting and associated challenges. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth case study approach was used to examine the parent company, its subsidiary in China and the related service partner network. Data collection involved all three actors and took place in Denmark and China. Findings The findings suggest that motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) need not only be mutually reinforcing for the organization attempting to move toward services but also aligned between organizational units, as well as with the service partner network. Furthermore, the findings suggest that while service partners are typically closer to the market, they may not be able to deliver the higher value-added services requiring customization. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a single manufacturer attempting servitization in China. Future studies may consider other case firms in other markets. Practical implications The MOA framework provides a basis for understanding the managerial challenges of aligning and coordinating the MOA elements amongst different actors. Originality/value This paper contributes by exploring servitization in an emerging market through the MOA framework in order to better understand the challenges and complexities. Servitization is found to be a dynamic phenomenon which should be understood as a movement that is also dependent on an external service partner possessing the necessary capabilities. In turn, this requires understanding the MOAs of all actors in a network and how they may be influenced in order for the MOA elements to be mutually reinforcing.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Garth ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge. Research limitations/implications It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series. Practical implications There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles. Social implications The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity. Originality/value There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzie Hehir ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Lizzie Hehir. Lizzie tells her own story and is then interviewed by Jerome. Design/methodology/approach This series of papers used the case study approach. However, each paper is written collaboratively, using the person’s own words. The deeply individual nature of each person’s story reminds us of the complexities of working in mental health. Findings In her account, Lizzie tells us of her long-term battles with self-harm. It was a struggle that she eventually won. Research limitations/implications Individual stories allow us to access people’s lived experience with mental illness. No diagnostic manual can ever truly categorise this uniqueness. Practical implications Lizzie shows it is possible to overcome self-harm though she still experiences something of the trauma she went through when she has triggers. Social implications When we see burns victims, we seldom approach them asking them how they sustained their injuries, but as Lizzie points out, many people feel able to ask people who have self-harmed about their injuries. Originality/value Lizzie writes with conviction and humility. Now working in mental health, she is able to reach out to others who are as troubled as she once was.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatoly Karpov ◽  
Alexander Merzlov

Purpose This study aims to analyze the possibilities for the development of an association of the most beautiful villages of Russia using an experience economy approach. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach based on the practices of the federation of the most beautiful villages of the Earth and the associations of the most beautiful villages of France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany. Findings Based on the analysis of the case studies of beautiful villages marketing in different countries and the methodology of the experience economy, the paper recommends essential changes in the management practices of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia and its participants. Practical implications Several recommendations have been suggested for exploring, scripting and staging the experiences in beautiful villages of Russia. Originality/value The main output of this study is designed to provide guidance for the management of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia, inhabitants of the most beautiful villages, rural tourism companies and local authorities in transition to the new experience economy approach accelerating the socioeconomic development of beautiful villages.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-604
Author(s):  
Shenggen Fan ◽  
Sivan Yosef ◽  
Rajul Pandya-Lorch

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize the evolution of global and national policies linking agriculture to nutrition in 2010–2020, and provides insights on the recent policy trajectory in China to illustrate how individual countries are addressing agriculture and nutrition.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilize a noncomprehensive review of gray and peer-review literature, as well as a case study approach.FindingsSelect countries have made initial strides in linking agriculture and nutrition through policy, though progress is not widespread and uneven.Practical implicationsResearchers can begin closing the existing knowledge gaps on agriculture and nutrition. Policymakers can learn from the country lessons and experiences in agriculture and nutrition policy.Originality/valueThis paper provides one of the only overviews of global policy on agriculture and nutrition during the period 2010–2020.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Lemanski ◽  
Tina Overton

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a new tool that can be used to help in the design and evaluation of work-based elements within programmes or to evaluate whole programmes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a case study approach to describe the development of the mapping tool. The tool is based on a matrix which enables users to map four variables: teacher-centred delivery, employer-centred delivery and students outcomes in terms of knowledge and skills. Findings – The mapping tool provides a useful approach to evaluating the outcomes for work-based learning activities. Practical implications – The mapping tool provides tutors with a useful, easily used way to visualise the nature of their work-based learning activities. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel, practical and useful tool that has wide applicability in the field of work-based learning.


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