The role of technology transfer in innovation within small construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 184797901773574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Ferraro ◽  
Antonio Iovanella

This article offers a network perspective on the collaborative effects of technology transfer, providing a research methodology based on the network science paradigm. We argue that such an approach is able to map and describe the set of entities acting in the technology transfer environment and their mutual relationships. We outline how the connections’ patterns shape the organization of the networks by showing the role of the members within the system. By means of a case study of a transnational initiative aiming to support the technology transfer within European countries, we analyse the application of the network science approach, giving evidence of its relative implications.


2022 ◽  
pp. 016224392110722
Author(s):  
Miao Lu ◽  
Jack Linchuan Qiu

Technology flows are becoming increasingly diverse in the twenty-first century, calling for an update of concepts and frameworks. Reflecting on the inherent tensions of technology transfer, including its technocratic dreams, insensitivity to technological materiality, and narrow focus on certain human actors, we propose technology translation as a complementary conceptual framework to understand traveling technologies. Taking a socio-technical approach, technology translation views artifacts as socially shaped with distributed agency, which makes technology flows unstable and unpredictable. In so doing, we develop a typology to explain five technology flow scenarios, shedding new light on the mechanisms of technology traveling by foregrounding the role of translators. Last, we discuss the politics of translation and elaborate how technology translation opens new space to engage with the complexity and uncertainty of technology flows, especially in the Global South.


1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Nicolaon

Recent analyses in France and the UK of the role of R&D and technology transfer in the national economy have emphasized different problems but the same conclusion. Both governments recognize that the transfer of technology has to be improved to take full advantage of the national R&D effort. The author assesses the extent of collaboration between the two countries and considers activities of ANVAR, the French National Agency for Innovation, and the British Technology Group to enhance interaction and increase the effective commercialization of innovations.


1993 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Leonard

The cost–benefits of academic–industry alliances are examined as well as the mechanisms to achieve maximum benefit to all the participants. Strategies to ensure the effective transfer of technology from universities to enterprises are reviewed and suggestions on how these might be refined and supported are offered. The article also touches on the role of a university trading company which can be pivotal in enhancing and expanding academic–industry links.


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