Knowledge exchange in a regional network

Abstract

This study explored the explicit knowledge in a regional business network and how members make tacit knowledge explicit. The one case at the regional level is made up of fourteen embedded cases. Twenty-four interviews were conducted among different categories of members in the HunterNet network. The main contribution to theory is that knowledge within HunterNet is primarily exchanged through informal conversation that includes the knowledge exchange processes of socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation. HunterNet members have an ability to understand engineering related explicit knowledge externalised by members in conversation. The HunterNet members thus build knowledge as individuals or a group, and build relationships and trust through the process of knowledge exchange inside and outside their organisations. Members have a learning intent, which is a prerequisite for learning and knowledge exchange.