Short answer

To drive innovation, focus on building and supporting communities of practice where practical and theoretical knowledge can be shared, debated, and integrated.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) (2010)
Method: Case Study Analysis
Evidence: Strong effect

The integration of local, informal knowledge within a 'community of practice' can significantly drive innovation in specialized fields like agriculture, often outperforming purely scientific approaches. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2010 study published in KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology). Using Case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To drive innovation, focus on building and supporting communities of practice where practical and theoretical knowledge can be shared, debated, and integrated.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Local Knowledge Networks Drive Sheep Farming Innovation

KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · 2010

Key Findings

01Local breeding societies act as critical hubs for knowledge exchange and innovation in sheep farming.
02The dynamic interaction between 'barn floor' (practical) knowledge and scientific knowledge leads to significant advancements.
03Shared normative beliefs and values within a community provide motivational force for knowledge innovation and adoption.

Application

Design takeaway

To drive innovation, focus on building and supporting communities of practice where practical and theoretical knowledge can be shared, debated, and integrated.

How to apply

When introducing a new design or process, identify and engage with existing communities of practice to understand their knowledge base and facilitate adoption.

Project actions

01When researching a design problem, look for existing communities of practice that are relevant to your project.
02Consider how your design can facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration within such communities.

Method & Evidence

AimHow do local communities of practice influence and drive innovation in specialized domains, such as sheep farming?

MethodCase Study Analysis

ProcedureThe study analyzed the interaction between scientific breeding knowledge and local farming practices in North Norway, focusing on a specific sheep farming community and its breeding society. It examined the roles of different practitioners, knowledge transfer mechanisms (like master-apprentice relationships), and the influence of cultural and religious norms on knowledge innovation.

ContextAgricultural community development and knowledge transfer

Variables

IVCommunity of practice structure and norms

DVLevel of innovation and adoption of new practices

CVType of agricultural domain, historical period

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a nuanced understanding of knowledge creation beyond purely scientific models.
+Emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in innovation.

Limitations

The specific cultural and historical context of the study might limit direct transferability to other fields or regions without careful consideration.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is strengthened by its focus on a specific, well-defined community and its detailed ethnographic approach. Reliability might be a concern due to the qualitative nature and the specific historical context.

Think critically

To what extent can the principles of 'community of practice' be applied to rapidly evolving technological fields where formal knowledge often outpaces practical experience?

Design Principles

"Innovation thrives at the intersection of practical experience and formal knowledge, facilitated by strong community networks and shared values."

Understanding how knowledge is shared and evolved within communities of practice is crucial for fostering innovation. This research highlights that successful design and implementation of new practices often depend on the social structures and shared values of the practitioners, not just the technical merit of the innovation itself.

What This Means for Your Design

Local groups of people who work together and share knowledge, like farmers in a club, can come up with really good new ideas for their work, sometimes better than just following scientific rules.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the importance of user collaboration and community engagement in your design process.
2.Refer to the concept of 'community of practice' when analyzing how users interact with existing solutions or how they might adopt your proposed design.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the significant role of 'communities of practice' in driving innovation, demonstrating how the dynamic interplay between local, practical knowledge and formal scientific knowledge, fostered within these groups, can lead to superior outcomes. This underscores the importance of understanding and engaging with user networks in design projects to facilitate effective knowledge transfer and adoption.

Source

KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Shepherds of the Mountains : Sheep Farming in a North Norwegian Alpine Landscape as a Community of Practice

journal · 2010

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about local knowledge networks drive sheep farming innovation?: To drive innovation, focus on building and supporting communities of practice where practical and theoretical knowledge can be shared, debated, and integrated. Evidence: KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) (2010).
Why does "Local Knowledge Networks Drive Sheep Farming Innovation" matter for design?: Understanding how knowledge is shared and evolved within communities of practice is crucial for fostering innovation. This research highlights that successful design and implementation of new practices often depend on the social structures and shared values of the practitioners, not just the technical merit of the innovation itself.
How can designers apply this research?: To drive innovation, focus on building and supporting communities of practice where practical and theoretical knowledge can be shared, debated, and integrated.
What were the main findings?: Local breeding societies act as critical hubs for knowledge exchange and innovation in sheep farming.. The dynamic interaction between 'barn floor' (practical) knowledge and scientific knowledge leads to significant advancements.. Shared normative beliefs and values within a community provide motivational force for knowledge innovation and adoption.
What research method was used?: Case Study Analysis.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2010 journal from KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When introducing a new design or process, identify and engage with existing communities of practice to understand their knowledge base and facilitate adoption.
What are the limitations?: The findings are specific to a particular agricultural context in North Norway and may not be universally applicable without adaptation.