Conceptualizing Knowledge Used in Innovation

A Second Look at the Science-Technology Distinction and Industrial Innovation

Bibliographic Data

ID5237478
AuthorsWendy Faulkner (University of Edinburgh, corresponding author)
Year1994
Volume19
Issue4
Pages425-458
Publication date1994-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScience Technology & Human Values (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0162-2439 • E-ISSN: 1552-8251
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/016224399401900402
OpenAlexW2087125391
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited46

This article reviews empirical and conceptual material from two distinct research traditions: on the science-technology relation and on industrial innovation. It aims both to shed new light on an old debate-the distinction between scientific and technological knowledge-and to refine our conceptualizations of the knowledge used by companies in the course of research and development leading to innovation. On the basis of three empirical studies, a composite categorization of different types of knowledge used in innovation is proposed, as part of a broader framework encompassing two further taxonomic dimensions. It is hoped that this typology and framework might provide useful research tools in furthering our understanding of the knowledge transfers and transformations that occur in the course of innovation. It could also prove useful for organizations and groups facing difficult strategic choices about technology

Categorization · Empirical evidence · Empirical research · Epistemology · Knowledge management · Management science · Sociology · Typology · Computer Science · Engineering · Innovation and Knowledge Management · Intellectual Capital and Performance Analysis · University-Industry-Government Innovation Models