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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Abstract
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Cite as: Eoin Whelan, Brian Donnellan & Willie Golden (2009) Analyzing R&D Knowledge Flows In The Flat World, Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research, 11:2, 12-30, DOI: 10.1080/15228053.2009.10856157 |
| Keywords: | Social networks; Knowledge management; Technological gatekeeper; Web technologies; R&D; |
| Academic Unit: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Institutes > Innovation Value Institute, IVI Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Business |
| Item ID: | 10821 |
| Identification Number: | https://doi.org/10.1080/15228053.2009.10856157 |
| Depositing User: | Prof. Brian Donnellan |
| Date Deposited: | 28 May 2019 16:24 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| URI: | |
| Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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