Documenting and sharing knowledge in university science and technology parks

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD. Student, Deprtment of Knowledge and Information Science, Kharazmi University.

2 Deprtment of Knowledge and Information Science, Kharazmi University.

3 Professor, Department of knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of management and Economics,Tarbiat Modares University,Tehran, Iran.

4 Department of Knowledge and Information science, Kharazmi University.

Abstract

Purpose: In this research, an attempt is made to explain the paradigm models that outline the conditions, as well as the effective and interfering factors, for providing documentation services and facilitating knowledge sharing in knowledge-based companies within science and technology parks, based on the experts' points of view.
Methodology: The qualitative research method is based on a data-based theory approach. The qualitative data collection tool employed semi-structured interviews, and a purposeful sampling method with a theoretical approach was used. In this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 knowledge management specialists and senior managers of science and technology parks. The criterion for qualitative data analysis was based on the systematic design of data-based theory. Therefore, after conducting the interviews, the transcripts were analyzed in five steps using open, axial, and selective coding methods.
Findings: In open coding, 242 codes were identified for the two concepts of documentation and knowledge sharing. Then, axial coding was performed based on the paradigm model, and two models were drawn for these two concepts. Based on this, the elements, process barriers, and guidelines for documenting and sharing knowledge were chosen as the central categories.
Conclusion: In general, in the current research, various strategies for the implementation of documentation and knowledge sharing systems were proposed by the experts. Among these strategies are designing a crowdsourcing platform and system, defining the roles and responsibilities of specialized human resources, defining implementation methods, personalizing interactions in work groups and social networks, and operationalizing the knowledge cycle. The knowledge cycle includes knowledge coding, identifying knowledge areas, identifying knowledge experts, understanding, processing, auditing, organizing, storing, accessing, and rearranging knowledge. Furthermore, to operationalize knowledge sharing, one should seek to create a reliable space and form specialized and technical colonies and networks. In addition, criteria should be defined to determine the levels of access to information for cooperating and competing companies, and a detailed evaluation of this process should be conducted. The definition of a reliable legal system can also guarantee the necessary executive enforcement for the success of this system. It is necessary to formulate policies and adopt a principled strategy in the field of implementing documentation and knowledge sharing systems at various levels, including the national level (Ministry of Science), the level of science and technology parks, and the level of knowledge-based companies. If these actions are carried out precisely, the positive results of these policies will be visible to everyone

Keywords

Main Subjects


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