Increasing the utilization of research in product and business development : Key factors for transferring applied research within a high technical organization

Sammanfattning: Purpose The study aims to complement the knowledge management literature within research-based knowledge on how product developing organization can utilize the research results in product development. Main research question What are the main enablers for research-based knowledge to transfer in order to be adopted in a product developing organization? Sub research question What are the indicators for measuring the utilization of research results? What patterns for generation and spreading of knowledge increases utilization of research results? What factors in a research project are barriers for research to be adopted in product development? How do organizational structures impact the transfer of knowledge from research departments to business units? Methodology This master thesis is based on a case study at a global firm within automation, robotics and electrification. Data was collected by interviews within product development departments and industrial research department. The findings are supported by established theory in knowledge management, organizational learning and innovation management. Findings The study presents several project conditions that facilitates knowledge transfer in terms of communication, presentation, language, timing and engagement. Organizational structures that enables utilization of researchbased knowledge have clear organizational responsibilities, integration of technological strategy in projects and channel for multidisciplinary interactions. In order to determine the success of research projects results the receiving part’s absorptive capacity and ability to gain new knowledge have to me measured.