Bridging innovation gaps: A case study on inter-organisational knowledge sharing facilitated by a university research team

Abstract

To foster innovation, organisations frequently encourage the exchange of knowledge as a strategy to nurture inventive solutions and gain insights from the experiences of others. This paper explores the concept of inter-organisational knowledge sharing. Drawing upon a case study centred on the PeopleFirst research team at Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic, this paper illuminates innovative methodologies employed to infuse knowledge sharing within their activities. The team seamlessly integrates sharing workshops and sharing excursions, providing conducive platforms for collaborative discourse and idea exchange amongst diverse stakeholders. Sharing workshops serve as interactive forums where representatives from various sectors engage with the research team and each other to discuss ongoing research topics. These workshops are conducted physically, but the team has also gained positive experience with their online format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback from participants underscores the perceived advantages of these workshops, including diverse perspectives and a stimulating atmosphere conducive to creativity. Complementing sharing workshops, sharing excursions entail immersive field visits to organisations, allowing participants to glean first-hand insights into internal knowledge-sharing mechanisms and engage in discussions facilitated by the research team. The Balint Group discussion format is used to promote the exchange of experiences and insights. Feedback from participants highlights the value of these excursions in terms of inspiration for their own work. On the other hand, team members have the opportunity to gain insights into topics of interest for practice. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of collaborative initiatives in fostering a culture of innovation and emphasises the symbiotic relationship between university research teams and organisations. The case study emphasises the benefits of these innovative practices for both academia and industry. For research teams, they provide access to new data and valuable feedback, enhancing their motivation and demonstrating the practical impact of their work. Participating organisations, on the other hand, gain fresh insights and recognise the value of collaborating with universities. The reciprocal nature of the relationship ensures a continuous flow of knowledge and shared learning experiences.