Internet Communities and Open innovation: an Information System Design Methodology

Abstract

Over the last 10 years in academic literature there has been a growing interest in communities of practice (CoPs) as a method for transferring and generating knowledge. The MySpace phenomenon and increased use of CoPs by large international organisations such as IBM and Procter and Gamble confirm the importance of CoPs in today's global economy. The collaboration between teams within communities increases the likelihood of combining knowledge in novel ways ([19]). In teams, the amount and diversity of information available to members is amplified, enabling a richness of perspectives when problems, ideas or products are discussed ([4]). However, the real impact of information technology infrastructures in supporting knowledge transfer is not yet fully understood and thus worthy of further investigation. Within these broad research objectives, this paper intends to introduce a specific design methodology and architecture that would leverage on Internet technologies whilst at the same time seek an alignment with new emerging open innovation models. The empirical study presented focuses on the facilitation of knowledge flows within a research community.

Group dynamics and the role of ICT in the life cycle analysis of community of practice-based product development: a case study

“…Some argue that the business community is missing an understanding of what kind of social structure can effectively promote learning, develop skills and manage information (Uzzi, 1997;Wenger et al, 2002;Zahra and George, 2002). Communities of practice (CoPs) as open-innovation platforms have been regarded as useful tools to share and manage knowledge internally and with other stakeholders (Hafkesbrink and Schroll, 2011;Michaelides and Kehoe, 2007).…”

Online Communities of Practice for innovation and knowledge transfer: A case study in the U.K.

“…This is in line with Nonaka and Takeuchi [4] conclusion that CoPs are constructive to innovation within organizations as they facilitate collaboration of cross-functional teams with diverse occupational and intellectual backgrounds, thus increasing and combining knowledge in novel ways. The increased adoption of social networks and online communities by large international organizations such as IBM, Shell and Proctor and Gamble, further confirms the importance of collaborative Internet technologies in today's society and the global economy [5], while effectively blurring the boundaries between social and professional interaction. Professional interaction and networking often involves people assimilating and incorporating a wide range of information that is often shared with people outside of their organisation.…”

perFECT interaction: Facilitating evaluation of collaborative technologies for user engagement in engineering innovation networks

“…The advent of a knowledge economy has been a driver for change in organisations, where individuals persistently utilise and draw on a wealth of knowledge to devise new ideas, solutions and products for a rapidly changing global marketplace [2], with processes displaying high levels of interdependence based upon a strong information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure [3]. Networks for collaboration are identified by Picard and Rabelo [4] as modern scientific structures where organisations and multi-located individuals, come together and interact through online tools.…”