The story of a university knowledge exchange actor-network told through the sociology of translation: a case study

Smith, S M and Rose, M B and Hamilton, E E (2010) The story of a university knowledge exchange actor-network told through the sociology of translation: a case study. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 16 (6). pp. 502-516. ISSN 1355-2554

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to tell the story of the evolution of knowledge exchange (KE) activity within a department in a university in the north west of England and to understand this activity through the lens of actor-network theory. Design/methodology/approach – Applying the sociology of translation to one qualitative interview shows how different actors were enrolled and mobilized into a KE actor-network. The process of translation consists of four stages, problematisation, enrolment, interessement and mobilisation of allies which have been applied to the data to tell the story of the KE actor-network. This is a cross-disciplinary approach using a theoretical framework from sociology and applying it to a management/organizational context. Findings – This framework brings fresh ways of looking at the importance of KE networks within universities. Although limited to one interview, the methodology allows for an in-depth reading of the data and shows how resilient and flexible this actor-network is to withstand and respond appropriately to shifts in policy and subsequent provisions for small- and medium-sized enterprise business support. Originality/value – Building from one case, the paper concludes that this account adds to an historical understanding of how universities become involved with KE activities. The inclusion of non-human actors allows for a deeper understanding of the actor-network and shows the importance of actors such as White Papers, pots of funding and physical buildings to the role of KE within higher education.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/entrepreneurshipandinnovation
Subjects:
?? buildingsengland financing knowledge transfer small to medium-sized enterprises universitiesentrepreneurship and innovationbusiness, management and accounting (miscellaneous)hf commercediscipline-based research ??
ID Code:
45479
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
11 Jul 2011 18:32
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 12:09