Citation:
White GRT, Abdullah A, Cicmil S, et al., (2019) University-Industry collaboration through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in the UK: an extension of Activity Theory. The International Journal of Management, Volume 8, Issue 4, October 2019, pp. 14-24
Abstract:
The mechanisms for stimulating innovation are perennial subjects of concern. Despite the recognition of their
importance they remain troublesome undertakings for individual organisations and national economies. The
literature has only recently begun to recognise the importance of the micro-relations that exist between individuals
and their effect upon the efficacy of these mechanisms. However, the intricacies of these micro-relationships remain
underexplored.
Through an extended period of immersion of around two years in each of three organisations this study identifies
the nature of the tensions that beset the micro-relations between individuals in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in
the United Kingdom. The research proffers an extension to the Activity Framework in order to explicitly recognise
the dimension of ‘Tacit Skills’.