A CoPs Approach to Knowledge Governance: A University-Industry Case Study in China

Abstract

This research explores knowledge sharing behaviors, aiming at developing good knowledge governance (KG) mechanisms and promoting university-industry ring phenomenon in China. Empirical evidence concerning the operation of KG, collected through interviews and relevant documentary materials, is analyzed through the lens of communities of practices (CoPs) approach to situated learning. Our case study lends support to the conceptualizing process of KG, in which task design, quality control, innovative capitalists, and relational intellectual property serve as KG mechanisms for promoting university-industry collaboration. In addition, our analysis highlights the significance of associates’ roles in KG for facilitating knowledge sharing behaviors. This research provides empirical evidence for understanding KG in university-industry collaboration.

Keywords

knowledge governance (KG) / university-industry relationship / communities of practices (CoPs) approach