TRANSFORMING CAPABILITY KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IN INNOVATION (KTI) Acknowledgement KTI is based on ongoing research by Dr L. Martinez-Solano

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation helps build an effective and sustainable innovation process by: Assisting in identifying the key knowledge networks required at each stage of the innovation process, Gaining an understanding of how the company’s new product introduction process is capable of delivering innovative features in line with their strategic aims, Systemising successful knowledge creation and transfer along the new product introduction timeline – ‘Who needs to know what, and when?’ Graphical representation allows easy identification of: Who needs to know what within the NPPI process When they need to know so that the process runs efficiently Communication (knowledge transfer) gaps Redundant activity/ duplication of effort Activities performed too early/ too late in the process Knowledge Transfer in Innovation - Outcomes

What we want to achieve.... Improved insight into the knowledge networks needed to support each stage of the innovation process within the company Recommendations for systemising required knowledge transfer interactions between key parties, leading to: –An effective & sustainable innovation process –Associated value-add clearly identified Understanding of the Knowledge Transfer tool embedded in the company –To support effective follow-through on recommendations –To enable the tool to be used for future applications An approach aligned with the company’s technology/innovation processes

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation Grid Laura Martinez-Solano, 2005 © University Of Warwick 2005 ConceptionStrategyBusiness Dev’t Product Dev’t Market Test Manufactu -ring Sales & Distributio n Researc h Dev't Advice Manage- ment Eng’g Technical Service Legal and Finance Human Resources Marketing Others FUNCTIONAL ACTORS PHASES Local Regional Global

Key Actor Roles Key Actor roles (large circles) have accountability for: a significant knowledge creation and transformation activity within a particular phase of the innovation process At each stage of the project: Who has accountability for how and where new knowledge is utilised? Who’s job is it to ensure that the right people know the right things at the right time and to do the translation?

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – The Process Investigation and Analysis Engaging with the Company Embedding in the Organisation Conducting Interviews Preparing the KT Grid Highlighting Issues & Improvements

What does this approach offer the company specifically? Has the company recently brought in a new innovation, or is an innovation planned? Which departments within the organisation are involved in knowledge creation, transformation and transfer ? Does the company have any particular issues with their existing NPPI process? Who will be the Senior Champion for the KTI process? What are the key phases of the company’s innovation process? Who are the key people in the innovation process, in terms of knowledge creation, transformation and transfer? What these people do in terms of knowledge creation/ transformation? During what phases of the process are they active? How does knowledge transfer take place within the organisation? Which of these people may be the Key Actors? Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – Engagement Engaging with the Company

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – Conducting Interviews Investigation and Analysis Conducting Interviews Preparing the KT Grid Highlighting Issues & Improvements WHO? Name, job title, experience etc.? Position within innovation process? Does the interviewee perform a key actor role? Who does he/ she think are the key people in the innovation process? ABOUT THE CURRENT PROCESS? Perception of how the innovation process is performed within the organisation? Interactions with the other key contributors – how and when? AN IMPROVED PROCESS? Opinions about the current NPPI process? How would the interviewee improve the process?

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – Preparing the KT Grid Investigation and Analysis Conducting Interviews Preparing the KT Grid Highlighting Issues & Improvements Plot the NPPI Phases and Key Functional Areas on the Knowledge Transfer Grid Identify the activities/ roles of the Key Contributors and plot these activities on the Knowledge Transfer Grid Identify which roles/individuals are assuming Key Actor roles at particular phases of the process Identify & plot the main knowledge transfer interactions between the Key Actors and Key Contributors on the Knowledge Transfer Grid

Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – Highlighting Issues & Improvements Investigation and Analysis Conducting Interviews Preparing the KT Grid Highlighting Issues & Improvements Who needs to know what within the NPPI process When they need to know in order that the process runs effectively and efficiently Which roles are the ‘true’ key actor roles Where there are currently communication (knowledge transfer) gaps Where there is redundant activity/ duplication of effort Where knowledge creation/ transfer activities are being performed too early/ too late in the process to be of optimum value

Using the Knowledge Transfer Grid as an enabler, the facilitator meets with Senior Champion & key members of the organisation in order to: Review the existing knowledge transfer mechanisms within the NPPI Process Discuss issues within the current process Discuss recommendations for improvements to the process Identify what form any new/ revised knowledge transfer mechanisms will take Identify how any capability gaps may be filled Identify next steps: What are the priority issues to be addressed? Who will take responsibility? By the time the overall engagement has concluded, the Senior Champion should be able to: Interpret the KT grid & use it as a planning tool, Update the grid as required. Knowledge Transfer in Innovation – Embedding Embedding in the Organisation