Work

External R&d: Exploring the Functions and Qualifications of R&d Personnel

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Knowledge has become an important production factor. Tacit knowledge is embodied in the minds of people, and is part and parcel of their skills. Since businesses concentrate on strategic tasks, many others are outsourced. This also applies to R&D. External knowledge sources help firms to leverage their internal R&D efforts. Internal and external knowledge have to be knitted together on the work floor giving rise to innovative products and processes. Since tacit knowledge is embodied in personnel, it is interesting to look at the role of the functions and the qualifications of R&D personnel in relation to activities developed in the framework of technical collaboration agreements. Using the OECD business R&D survey for Belgium, insights are offered in the way that external knowledge impacts on the organisation of the internal division of labour. It is demonstrated that absorptive capacity, embodied in people, is a key element in using external knowledge.

Source: International Journal of Innovation Management

DOI: 10.1142/s1363919610002969

Authors: ANDRÉ SPITHOVEN, PETER TEIRLINCK

Institutions: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgian Federal Science Policy Office

Language: English

Topic: Innovation and Knowledge Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Vlaamse regering