A Micro‐Level Study of Knowledge Exchange Tensions in Three UK Universities

This paper explores how university academics navigate knowledge exchange micro‐level tensions. At the micro‐level, university‐based knowledge exchange requires academics as key actors to navigate competing demands and conflicting priorities. There is a paucity of research at the micro‐level exploring university‐based knowledge exchange activities from an individual actor perspective. Using a qualitative approach based on 32 in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with academics and professional staff members in three UK universities, we found how academics employ ambidexterity to traverse knowledge exchange tensions. We identified four types of knowledge exchange micro‐level tensions— motivational , structural , geographical and resource tensions. Based on our analysis, we develop a micro‐level framework that illuminates and mitigates micro‐level tensions with university‐based knowledge exchange activities.