Conceptualising Knowledge Used in Innovation: A Second Look at the Science-Technology Distinction and Industrial Innovation

This paper aims to further conceptualisations of the knowledge utilised by companies in the course of RD&D leading to innovation. It reviews empirical and conceptual material from two different research and disciplinary traditions - on the science-technology distinction and on industrial innovation. As well as shedding new light on an old debate - the relationship between scientific and technological knowledge - this review also provides useful pointers to broad taxonomic features of technological knowledge and suggests a composite typology of knowledge used in innovation. It is hoped that this might improve our understanding of the knowledge transfers and transformations which occur in the course of technological innovation. It could also provide a useful framework for organisations and groups facing difficult strategic choices about technology