The transmission of knowledge, emerging networks, and the role of universities: An evolutionary approach

Abstract

Research organizations within enterprises and universities are part of a (regional) innovation system (RIS). An important question concerns the nature of the relation between an RIS and regional economic growth. To be more specific: how to organize the transfer of information and knowledge? How is this related to embeddedness? Networks are organizational configurations that perform two functions: co-ordination and transmission. Both are important for the generation and transfer of knowledge. Networks consist of 'nodes', 'connections' and 'intensities of transfer'. Firms can be conceived of as 'nodes' consisting of 'bundles' of functions, forms of organizations, and technologies. Different parts of firms can participate differently in different networks. The transfer of knowledge is only one aspect of the functioning of firms and networks. Relations between firms are not static; 'embedded relational dynamics' would be a better description. The changing 'selection environment' requires the continuous adjustment of 'nodes', which in turn influence the connections and the intensities. Networks develop as 'emergent and embedded structures' with new varieties of innovation. Planning is an exception. Competition, the heterogeneous distribution of knowledge, and the diffusion of innovation are the prime movers of relations, resulting in economic growth. The structure of a network and its dynamics influence the diffusion of innovation. The precise nature of the transfer of information and knowledge also depends on the technology trajectory, the stage of a particular technological development path, and the nature of embeddedness. Universities can be important 'nodes' in the emerging innovation networks, in particular as 'producers' of human capital.