From Concept to Market: Integrating Organizational Knowledge Creation to Bridge Technology and Business Gaps

This study explores the intersection of project development and organizational knowledge creation within the context of industry-academia collaboration, applying Nonaka and Takeuchi's organizational knowledge creation model as the theoretical framework. Conducted at the Manufacturing Laboratory (Manulab) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Aalesund, the research investigates how integrating academic research into industrial applications can be optimized through effective knowledge management and the use of practical tools. The findings emphasize the critical role of knowledge workers, including researchers, engineers, sales managers, and decision-makers from the industry, in every project phase. A significant focus is placed on the Manulab-industry competence-building process, which progresses in parallel with the Technology Readiness Level and Business Readiness Level axes. This dual advancement strategy ensures that technological innovations meet both technical standards and market needs, enhancing their commercial viability. The study demonstrates that adopting a structured framework incorporating TRL and BRL helps overcome common challenges such as the creation of technically sound but commercially unviable technologies. Additionally, the integration of simulation platforms has facilitated the active involvement of diverse stakeholders throughout the development process, improving the practical application of Nonaka and Takeuchi's model. Specifically, the research tests two hypotheses: (1) that the use of TRL and BRL frameworks for tracking and verifying project progress is a practical tool for applying Nonaka and Takeuchi's model, and (2) that the use of simulation platforms in the product development process, by involving diverse stakeholders, significantly improves the alignment and synchronization of technology and business concept development. The research concludes that successful implementation of academic research in industrial settings requires a comprehensive understanding of organizational knowledge creation, strategic collaboration, and the use of practical tools like TRL and BRL. These findings advocate for a systematic approach to project development that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and actionable insights for effective industry-academia collaboration.