Knowledge brokerage needs in building care robotics innovation ecosystems and networks

ABSTRACT

In the ecosystem and network perspectives on innovation, cooperation between various actors is seen as essential to innovation. Because of several factors known to hinder cooperation, the literature has pointed out the need for knowledge brokerage functions. This paper investigates knowledge brokerage needs in building care robotics innovation ecosystems and networks in Finland. The research questions are as follows: What are macro-, meso- and micro-level brokerage needs, functions and roles in care robotics innovation ecosystems and networks, and what kinds of knowledge should be brokered at these different levels? The data were collected with multilevel interviews, including interviewees representing different interests and fields of expertise. Based on the results, there is a need for brokerage functions in emerging ecosystems and networks to create operational conditions, bring disparate actors together, manage innovation processes, create learning possibilities and share best practices. However, the brokerage needs to vary by level, indicating that the functions and roles of the brokers and brokered knowledge may be emphasized differently. At the macro level, system-level knowledge is needed, at the meso level, knowledge related to innovation process management and user knowledge is needed, and at the micro level, the need for experimental and tacit knowledge is highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge
• brokerage
• innovation ecosystem
• innovation network
• care robotics

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the respondents as well as the anonymous reviewers for their comments that helped improve this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Robots can be divided into two categories: industrial robots and service robots (International Federation of Robotics [IFR] 2012). Service robots are used by service providers or individual consumers. Service robots exist in many forms, sizes and purposes.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Academy of Finland, the Strategic Research Council (Project name: ‘Robots and the Future of Welfare Services’ – ROSE; decision numbers: 292980 and 314180).