Disseminative Capabilities in New Product Development Projects; A Single Case Study about Inter-Organizational Knowledge Transfer at CEVT

Abstract: Previous studies in the field of knowledge transfer have continuously emphasized the knowledge receiver´s characteristics and how these influence the knowledge transfer process. However, more recent research has identified and emphasized the role of the sender in an inter-organizational knowledge transfer. The main purpose of this single case-study is to investigate how China Euro Vehicle Technology AB (CEVT) can improve their disseminative capabilities to enhance the knowledge transfer process in the inter-organizational new product development (NPD) projects with Geely. By firstly identify the current challenges regarding the knowledge transfer process and conclusively come up with recommendations. Theoretical findings show that the disseminative capabilities comprise several different phases and challenges related to these; realization of knowledge, assessment of recipient knowledge base, encoding of knowledge, transfer mechanisms and support activities. Further it displays challenges related to a NPD collaboration, and the subsequent inter-organizational knowledge transfer. These challenges are; organizational distance, communication & interaction distance and cultural distance Within each phase related to the disseminative capabilities challenges were identified, mainly related to the disclosure of valuable knowledge, awareness of the processes of the other party, as well as other activities. The three different challenges proposed by the literature were further reflected in the specific case study. This paper proposes three main recommendations; aligning the project management system to fit both organizations properly, lessons learned structures in order to evaluate future projects and a more pro-active approach in regards of support post the project hand over.