Distributed Knowledge in Complex Engineering Project Networks: Implications for Regional Innovation Systems

There is widespread agreement that we are witnessing a transition to a new type of economy fuelled not so much by the production of goods and services, but by the generation and circulation of knowledge (Florida 1995). Competitive advantage is increasingly seen to stem less from traditional capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, distribution or service, and more from the possession of unique capabilities based on know-how. In this so-called ‘knowledge economy’, knowledge has become a key component of conventional manufacturing activity. Correspondingly, the idea that knowledge has become the critical resource needing to be managed has taken root within the management literature (e.g. von Krogh, Roos and Kleine 1998) and has spawned all manner of approaches and perspectives. Knowledge management is now regarded by some to be the latest management ‘fad’ (Scarbrough and Swan 1999).