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Analyzing R&D Knowledge Flows In The Flat World |
Whelan, Eoin; Donnellan, Brian; Golden, Willie
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Previous research has firmly established the importance of informal social networks in facilitating knowledge flows in research and development (R&D) settings. However, the explosion of Web technologies in recent years have ’flattened’ the planet and dramatically altered our understanding of what constitutes a social network. Despite this, current research has neglected to examine how Web technologies have impacted knowledge flows in R&D. To address this research gap, we revisit the highly influential technological gatekeeper theory. Drawing on social network analysis (SNA) and interview evidence from a medical devices R&D group, we find that the gatekeeper role is still vital, but no longer needs to be performed by a single individual. Instead, the modern R&D group can keep abreast of the latest technological advances through a combination of Web-enabled internal and external communication specialists. A unique contribution this paper makes to the IT-enabled social network literature is the development of an updated conceptual framework of how the gatekeeper role is performed in the modern R&D group.
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Keyword(s):
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Social networks; Knowledge management; Technological gatekeeper; Web technologies; R&D |
Publication Date:
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2009 |
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Type:
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Journal article |
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Peer-Reviewed:
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Yes |
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Institution:
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Maynooth University |
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Citation(s):
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Whelan, Eoin and Donnellan, Brian and Golden, Willie (2009) Analyzing R&D Knowledge Flows In The Flat World. Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research, 11 (2). ISSN 2333-6897 |
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Publisher(s):
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Taylor & Francis |
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File Format(s):
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other |
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Related Link(s):
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http://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/10821/1/BD-Analyzing-2009.pdf |
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First Indexed:
2020-04-02 06:13:01 Last Updated:
2020-04-02 06:13:01 |
