Knowledge creation and inter-organizational relationships: the development of innovation in the Railway industry

Purpose - The main purpose of the paper is to explore the relationship between the design of inter-organizational connections, the procedures for knowledge creation and transfer, and innovation. The study focus on the partnership between Firema Trasporti, a medium-large Italian company in the heavy and light rail industry sector, and a research center in the Region of Campania named TEST - Technology-Environment-Safety-Transport -which concentrates on applied research on the safety and efficiency of motor vehicles and railways and the reduction of environmental pollution. Approach – The analysis examine the inter-organizational dynamics and coordination processes from the viewpoints of both the company and the research center, highlighting the factors that influence the development of product and process innovation as well as those that influence knowledge transfer between the two organizations. The coordination model defining the cooperative relationship are interpreted as a Temporary Project Network. Sydow and Staber (2002), suggest that Temporary Project Networks represent interdependent organizations that inter-act to coordinate their efforts for the accomplishment of a service or product in a limited amount of time. Metodology - In applying the methodology of case study analysis, we used the semi-structured in-depth interview as a tool (with an ad hoc questionnaire) and, in particular, interviews aimed at privileged observers: interviews were aimed at management of Firema's Research and Innovation unit and at researchers in TEST's Operations unit. The study was also integrated through the analysis of the contents of institutional documents from both Firema (organizational chart, 2008 and 2009 budgets, web site, sector reports) and TEST (internal documentation, web site).