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Technological communities and the diffusion of knowledge
Author(s) -
Rappa Michael A.,
Debackere Koenraad
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.1992.tb00811.x
Subject(s) - knowledge management , field (mathematics) , theme (computing) , knowledge flow , focus (optics) , unit (ring theory) , engineering ethics , data science , computer science , engineering , psychology , pure mathematics , optics , operating system , physics , mathematics education , mathematics
The external acquisition of technological knowledge is a central theme in research on technology management. In this paper it is argued that technological communities may provide a useful unit of analysis to study information and knowledge exchange among scientists and engineers working on a particular research agenda. Based on a worldwide survey of more than 700 individuals engaged in the research and development of neural network technology, the dynamics within that particular community are explored. The primary focus is to compare the characteristics of academic and industrial researchers, with special attention given to the timing of their entry into the field.