Abstract
This paper will explore social relationships as essential to the ability of organisations and the occupational communities within which they sit, to acquire and embed design innovation. The tacit qualities of design mean that social contact is required to enable the transmission and embedding of design innovation. The paper is focussed on selected literature that investigates this concept and commonly cited features and mechanisms for innovation and design knowledge transfer, are then built into a conceptual model applicable to design communities. The topic has particular relevance because of the growth of many publicly funded initiatives in the UK which attempt to regenerate regions by encouraging the development of new and existing creative businesses. Part of many such schemes are projects which are particularly aimed at building networks as a means of providing continuing support for these businesses. The paper is therefore written using a solid theoretical foundation, with the intention of informing the development and evaluation of such schemes and to identify where new research is necessary.
Citation
Ashton, P. (2004) The Role of Occupational Communities in the Transmission and Embedding of Design Innovation: A Conceptual Framework., in Redmond, J., Durling, D. and de Bono, A (eds.), Futureground - DRS International Conference 2004, 17-21 November, Melbourne, Australia. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2004/researchpapers/91
The Role of Occupational Communities in the Transmission and Embedding of Design Innovation: A Conceptual Framework.
This paper will explore social relationships as essential to the ability of organisations and the occupational communities within which they sit, to acquire and embed design innovation. The tacit qualities of design mean that social contact is required to enable the transmission and embedding of design innovation. The paper is focussed on selected literature that investigates this concept and commonly cited features and mechanisms for innovation and design knowledge transfer, are then built into a conceptual model applicable to design communities. The topic has particular relevance because of the growth of many publicly funded initiatives in the UK which attempt to regenerate regions by encouraging the development of new and existing creative businesses. Part of many such schemes are projects which are particularly aimed at building networks as a means of providing continuing support for these businesses. The paper is therefore written using a solid theoretical foundation, with the intention of informing the development and evaluation of such schemes and to identify where new research is necessary.