Governance of knowledge development in a public-private partnership: NASAs efforts to design the Space Shuttle

Abstract

What conceptual opportunities for the theory of innovation governance are uncovered by analyzing the knowledge development required to design the first reusable spacecraft, the Space Shuttle, through a public-private partnership? Using data collected from various sources, this study provides insights into how NASA, a public agency, governed knowledge development while engaging private actors in anticipation of creating a long-running shuttle program. First, within each phase of the design process, knowledge was developed through knowledge generation, knowledge filtration, and knowledge combination and involved a division of labor. Second, knowledge reinforcing—whereby the knowledge developed in the previous phase was innovated upon using new knowledge—occurred between phases. In summary, the paper highlights how public-private partnerships govern knowledge development by managing division of labor and reinforcing knowledge. These insights pave the way for future investigations at the intersection of governance mechanisms and innovation processes.