Gatekeepers of Knowledge versus Platforms of Knowledge: From Potential to Realized Absorptive Capacity

Abstract

Lazaric N., Longhi C. and Thomas C. Gatekeepers of knowledge versus platforms of knowledge: from potential to realized absorptive capacity, Regional Studies. The development of clusters rests on geographical proximity, cognitive interactions as well as entrepreneurial initiatives. Sophia Antipolis, a multi-technology cluster in Valbonne, France, is a good illustration of the type of challenges local systems of innovation face in creating positive knowledge externalities. This paper shows that if the existence of 'gatekeepers of knowledge' can generate the potential implementation of 'absorptive capacity', its effective realization requires some additional effort regarding the transfer of knowledge into the cluster. The concept of 'platform of knowledge' defined shows how a project of knowledge codification could generate externalities by creating new opportunities for effectively combining and absorbing knowledge. [image omitted] Lazaric N., Longhi C. et Thomas C. Deux modalites opposees de diffusion des connaissances: les gardiens versus la platforme. Une illustration a travers le cas d'un cluster high tech, Regional Studies. Le developpement des clusters repose sur la proximite geographique, les interactions cognitives et les initiatives des entrepreneurs. Sophia Antipolis, un cluster fonde sur plusieurs technologies, est une bonne illustration des obstacles que les systemes locaux d'innovation doivent franchir pour creer des externalites de connaissance positives. Cet article montre que l'existence de 'relais de connaissance' ('gatekeepers of knowledge') peut engendrer des capacites d'absorption potentielles, mais que leur realisation effective implique des efforts supplementaires relatifs aux transferts de connaissance dans le cluster. Le concept de 'plate forme de connaissance' propose montre comment un projet de codification des connaissances peut generer des externalites en creant des opportunites nouvelles pour combiner et absorber des connaissances. Cluster high tech Connaissance Gatekeeper Plate forme de connaissance Sophia Antipolis Lazaric N., Longhi C. und Thomas C. Zwei gegenubergestellte Verfahren der Wissensubertragung: Die Gatekeepers versus die Plattform. Eine Illustration anhand eines Hightech clusters, Regional Studies. Die Entwicklung der Cluster hangt von der geographische Nahe, kognitiven Interaktionen und Initiativen der Unternehmer ab. Sophia Antipolis, ein Multi -Technologie Cluster, ist eine gute Illustration der Hemmnisse, die die localen Innovationssysteme uberwinden mussen,um positive Externalitaten zu schaffen. Dieser Artikel zeigt, dass die Existenz von 'Wissensrelais' ('gatekeepers of knowledge') potentielle Absorptionsfahigkeiten erzeugen konnen, aber ihre effektive Realisation zusatzliche Anstrengungen bezuglich der Wissenstransferts in dem Cluster erfordern. Das Konzept der vorgeschlagenen 'Wissensplattform' zeigt, wie ein Projekt zur Kodifizierung des Wissens Externalitaten hervorrufen kann, indem neue Gelegenheiten geschafft werden um Wissen zu kombinieren und zu absorbieren....

Can a governance structure foster cluster ambidexterity through knowledge management? An empirical study of two French SME clusters

“…The young SMEs were active in creative, cultural and technological activities and oriented towards new ideas, innovation and exploration, largely as a result of the rapid evolution of their multimedia markets. They thus possessed potential absorptive capacity (Zahra & George, 2002;Lazaric et al, 2008) and constantly sought the acquisition of new knowledge. Moreover, the Imaginove cluster was created with the explicit objective of linking three cultural industries, so member firms were inclined to explore knowledge that existed elsewhere that they might integrate or recombine.…”

“…All interview questions related to knowledge management, exploration and exploitation came from prior empirical and theoretical literature (e.g., Nonaka, 1994;Lazaric et al, 2008;Martin-de-Castro et al, 2008). The interviews were transcribed, validated by the respondents and coded according to the main themes that emerged.…”

Knowledge governance within clusters: the case of small firms

“…Cohen & Levinthal, 1990;Zahra and George, 2002). Thus, governance can play a role of knowledge search aimed at capturing relevant external knowledge sources (Lazaric et al, 2008). This supposes that governance is able to identify cluster members' needs and expectations, and also to help firms manage knowledge heterogeneity.…”

Regional development in the context of an innovation process

“…The case of Sophia Antipolis: The adaptation to the changing nature of globalisation 13 were based on low costs and access to infrastructural facilities, in the 1990s those decisions started to depend on the presence of specific features of a region which affect the innovation performance of companies (Lazaric et al 2008). The local environment, from which a company draws knowledge through interactions with other actors, has become the key factor boosting innovation performance.…”

“…The key factors which have decided about the locating companies in Sophia Antipolis were: the attractive climate of the French Riviera, a cosmopolitan tradition, excellent transport and touristic infrastructure, especially the convenient access to an international airport (Lazaric et al 2008). The objective of the project was to attract companies from the IT sector in order to minimise negative external effects, such as pollution, which could threaten one of the main advantages of the region -the climate.…”