Structural and relational support for innovation – formal versus informal knowledge exchange mechanisms in forest-sector learning

In order to drive forest sector productivity, an emphasis has been placed on effectively transferring science knowledge to technical foresters. Having a communications plan and engaging the right stakeholders early can induce a rich learning environment that strengthens context, knowhow and ensures mechanisms are in place for knowledge to be transferred. 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. Enhancing conditions in which these three aspects grow can lead to increased social capital, changed paradigms and reduced business costs due to sharing of knowledge and resources. We posit a conceptual framework describing the role of formal and informal knowledge exchange mechanisms and introduce research innovation clusters as a means to promote forest sector engagement and informal relational support for learning.