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Knowledge Transfer in Innovation is a tool to help build a sustainable innovation system through systematic knowledge transfer at project, department and individual level.
Background
Few organisations formally map all of the interactions between departments and individuals during the development of new products or processes. In particular, the formal capture of knowledge exchange and transfer – critical to successful delivery of the business outcome – is rarely made explicit. However it is vital that these exchanges are systematic, and knowledge access is sufficient, specific and timely. Knowledge Transfer in Innovation enables analysis of the knowledge creation, transformation and transfer mechanisms within the New Product or Process Introduction process. A Knowledge Transfer Grid is constructed to suit individual innovation projects. Circular/ elliptical symbols represent the different roles within the innovation process. Lines between the symbols represent existing or desirable knowledge transfer mechanisms.
What outcome can be expected?
Knowledge Transfer in Innovation will:
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Help ensure that the NPPI process is capable of delivering innovative products and processes in line with the company’s strategic aims,
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Assist in identifying the key knowledge networks required at each NPPI stage,
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Systemise successful knowledge creation, transformation and transfer along the whole NPPI time line and therefore support New Product/ Process introduction.
Elements
There are two main elements:
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Knowledge Transfer Grid: represents knowledge creation, transformation and transfer mechanisms within the NPPI process in a graphical form, and,
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Knowledge Transfer in Innovation Handbook: describes the deployment process
When should you use it?
The tool should be used either prior to embarking on, or at a very early stage of, a new product or process development programme.
How does it work?
A facilitator will start by identifying critical activities and key players in the NPPI process. The key players will help identify what interactions and knowledge transfer mechanisms currently occur at each point on the NPPI timeline. These interactions are captured on the Knowledge Transfer Grid. This allows visualisation of knowledge transfer gaps and duplications as well as inefficient synchronisation of activities. Working with a Senior Champion from the company, the facilitator will then build an Improved Knowledge Transfer Grid that identifies where connections between critical roles need to be constructed (knowledge bridges), or where new roles need to be included. In order to use this tool, facilitators will need to have a sound grasp of NPPI processes and must also understand the nature of knowledge required to deliver innovative products or processes.
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