The influence of social networks on knowledge management for innovation in life-science discovery networks

The competitiveness and sustainability of a modern organisation depends on its ability to innovate. It is increasingly accepted that knowledge, skills and competencies are the key drivers of innovation. Access to the latest information can provide critical competitive edge for organisations' innovation efforts. Social networks are found to promote organisational and collective learning and are a significant source of knowledge which subsequently leads to innovation. The paper aims to introduce social network analysis as a useful methodology for organisations and managers to use to analyse how collaboration for knowledge management for innovation efforts is accomplished. Social network analysis (SNA) facilitates analysis of relationships among actors in a network. It describes a number of social network factors that are useful in analysing overall network structures, network content, the characteristics of interactions and identifying the impact they have on knowledge management for innovation efforts. This will illuminate the mechanisms through which collaboration for innovation is accomplished. Three case studies of a knowledge network within the life sciences sector are utilised to conduct an exploration into how knowledge is managed through social networks for innovation.