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Structural and relational support for innovation
www.scionresearch.com
Introduction
Formalized structures such as reports and seminars
have evolved to improve the science transfer process,
but it appears that the key success factor in enhancing
uptake and learning may require an environment that
encourages relationship building, particularly trust
building between parties in developing informal and
formal relationships. Informal interactions, though not
often acknowledged in business, foster the conditions
conducive to good knowledge exchange –
co-ordination, co-operation and communication.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Mr. Graham Coker and Dr. Peter Edwards (Scion) and Dr.Barbara Ki ng (University of Melbourne) for their assistance and advice. We also thank the innovation cluster members we interviewed and surveyed as part of this work for their time and insights. This research was
funded by the New Zealand Government research programme contract Primary Innovation CONT-523 30071-BITR-AGR, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through a Biological Industries Targeted Research Grant.
Poster presented at IUFRO Div9.0 1.03 Extension and Knowledge Exchange Conference 2016 “Increasing capacity for program delivery through knowledge exchange networks and peer to peer learning” held in Kenora, Ontario during 25-29th September.
Generic image defining poster
Karen Bayne1, John Moore2, Simon Fielke3
1Scion, PO Box 29237, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand; 2Scion, Rotorua, New Zealand; 3AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand
Figure 1: A Conceptual framework of Structural and Relational social capital in relation to knowledge exchange processes.
Materials and methods
The conceptual framework (Fig 1) was used to explain
the presence of structural and relational capital within
the New Zealand forest sector, through a case study of
an innovation cluster network.
Eighteen members of the wider forest network were
interviewed and the qualitative results analysed to
identify the presence of social capital and approaches
used to facilitate knowledge exchange.
One of the innovation clusters was selected as a case
study to quantify the degree of interactions.
A social network analysis determined:
a) who was interacting with whom;
b) how often; and
c) whether the topic of conversations when
interacting concerned the cluster group field.
Results and discussion
Knowledge exchanges in forestry can be enhanced through facilitating ways in which relational
capital can be strengthened. We found innovation clusters facilitated the building of trust and
enhanced co-operative developments through interactive learning - ‘learning by doing’. Workshops
were patronized by industry not only for the knowledge exchanges made in terms of science
advances, but also for the networking opportunities with other companies, and he ability to meet
informally and identify others ‘of like mind’ as potential collaborative partners. Continuation of
business linkages formed from workshops and meetings through regular phone and email
discussions were seen as a critical means of strengthening the formal network.
Some strong centrality and interlinkages are present in the social network (Fig 2) . People are
using their established existing networks to discuss the cluster group issues. It takes time to
develop both sufficient credibility for effective engagement, and cognitive understanding of the
network structure, however, these skills are usually only able to be honed in an environment of
trust and openness, requiring a system that encourages greater levels of informal interaction.
We suggest that the
relationship itself, especially
when this is less formalized,
and when placed within a
formal social interaction
model, creates very rich
environments in which
knowledge exchange activities
can occur.
Figure 2: A sociogram for one forest sector innovation cluster.
Conclusions
Our experience in providing a formal mechanism
(innovation cluster) in which social capital can be
built has shown the importance of allowing
informal engagement to flourish in order to
achieve an environment in which innovation can
occur and drive forest sector productivity.
The speed of knowledge exchange can be
enhanced due to relational dimensions of social
capital, which increase trust, reciprocity of
knowledge sharing, and a more direct linkage to
influencers and enablers of sector change.
Aims
In order to drive forest sector productivity,
an emphasis has been placed on effectively
transferring science knowledge to technical foresters.
Knowledge producers and knowledge users require
an exchange mechanism that encourages parties to
learn and develop knowledge together in a useful and
practical manner.
• How can the system in which knowledge
exchanges occur in forestry science enhance
networking and build social capital?
• How do we facilitate the research-user
environment to create stronger connectivity that
enhances information flows and exchange of
knowledge?
© 2016 NZ Forest Research Institute Limited, trading as Scion. September 2016.