Management of Regional Knowledge: Knowledge Flows Among University, Industry, and Government

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to study the process of knowledge creation and management in a geographic region, highlighting the knowledge flow through university–industry–government collaboration. The knowledge flow is analyzed from the perspective of the SECI model (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization), developed by Nonaka and Takeuchi and of the triple helix concept, applied to the region knowledge theory. An analysis of the literature has been conducted in order to establish testable relationships between theories of knowledge management (KM), triple helix (TH) model, and regional knowledge (RK). A conceptual model that integrates theories of KM, TH, and RK represents a valuable framework to stimulate knowledge production and innovation through university–industry–government cooperation and collaboration in geographic regions. The knowledge economy needs to stimulate innovation and sustainable development. As it depends on knowledge, the study is justified as it suggests a new framework for knowledge production and innovation in regions, emphasizing the collaboration and interaction among players in order to consolidate the synergy as in a knowledge production chain.