MAKING YOUR KNOWLEDGE MINE: THE INTEGRATION OF EXTERNAL KNOWLEDGE IN CROSS-INDUSTRY INNOVATION

We explore mechanisms of how knowledge integration is achieved at the individual level in cross-industry innovation projects. Our research is based on theory of cross-industry innovation (CII), absorptive capacity (ACAP), apprenticeship learning and communication as well as case analysis of seven cross-industry projects. To integrate external knowledge, actors in the target sector need to adopt — i.e., take ownership of — external knowledge from the source sector. We present a model by which such knowledge adoption is achieved. Central elements are the phases of knowledge acquisition, assimilation and transformation, a cyclic process of conveyance and convergence, and a bi-directional process of learning. Legitimacy, prior knowledge of CII collaboration and retranslation were found to be facilitators of the process. Our research extends current theory of knowledge integration in CII and provides managerial implications.