Knowledge transfer dynamics and innovation: Behaviour, interactions and aggregated outcomes

Abstract Innovation systems theory stresses the central importance of knowledge and the transfer of knowledge between the different actors of an innovation system, yet there are no methodological tools to systematically analyse the dynamics of such relationships. In this paper, we propose a multi-disciplinary approach drawing on social psychology to integrate innovation systems and knowledge transfer theory. We focus the empirical efforts for validating this approach in the water sector. Although Water Operator Partnerships are conceptualised to share best practices via knowledge transfer, our findings based on empirical evidence indicate clear points of consensus as well as issues of conflict in the dynamics of knowledge transfer between water operators engaged in such partnerships. The results indicate qualitative differences in goals of knowledge transfer as well as sources of differences and asymmetries in motivations, pressures and capabilities in the knowledge transfer process.