Title: The integration of new technologies: the stakes of knowledge

Authors: Nicolas Roulet, Patrice Dubois, Ameziane Aoussat, Marc Le Coq

Addresses: Product Design and Innovation Laboratory, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, 151 Boulevard de l'Hopital, 75013 Paris, France. ' Product Design and Innovation Laboratory, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, 151 Boulevard de l'Hopital, 75013 Paris, France. ' Product Design and Innovation Laboratory, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, 151 Boulevard de l'Hopital, 75013 Paris, France. ' Product Design and Innovation Laboratory, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, 151 Boulevard de l'Hopital, 75013 Paris, France

Abstract: In order to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive international context, French companies are forced to follow one or more of various possible routes: relocating some of the activities, optimising the design and/or production process or innovating technologically. When they choose to develop new technologies, it is advisable to seek outside expertise in different areas. Thus, they must exchange and create knowledge in partnership with other companies. But in order to control and integrate this future technology, we acknowledge that the acquisition and capitalisation of technical training during the process of innovation are of primary importance. This article demonstrates that the construction of this knowledge base can be achieved only by formalising a close and rigorous collaboration. To do this, we propose a model of the collaborative process, meant for the leaders of innovative projects to support design.

Keywords: technological innovation; collaboration; design; technical knowledge; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; technology integration; France; technical training; knowledge creation; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2010.034992

International Journal of Product Development, 2010 Vol.12 No.2, pp.126 - 140

Published online: 31 Aug 2010 *

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