Title: Knowledge creation and innovation capability in the public university

Authors: Somchai Numprasertchai, Phasit Kanchanasanpetch, Haruthai Numprasertchai

Addresses: Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Oracle Consulting Services, Oracle Corporation (Thailand), Ramaland Bldg., 952 Rama IV Rd., Suriyawong, Bangrak 10500, Thailand. ' Department of Management, Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University, P.O. Box 1089, Kasetsart, Bangkok 10903, Thailand

Abstract: Universities are widely regarded not only as teaching establishments but also as organisations that foster research, the creation of new bodies of knowledge and innovation. As such, Knowledge Management (KM) plays a significant role in improving and sustaining the research and innovative activities of universities. This paper presents a study of KM schemes in use by various researchers in Research and Development (R&D) units of Thai public universities. The survey focus is on the relationship between the knowledge creation process and innovation capability and includes two critical factors: organisational strategy and incentive. Information was obtained and analysed from 60 researchers in Thai public universities. The initial findings from this study indicate that: the organisational strategy and incentive have a positive impact on the knowledge creation process; the knowledge creation process is related to the innovation capability of the research organisation.

Keywords: knowledge management; research and development; R&D; academic research; learning; knowledge creation; innovation capability; public universities; Thailand; organisational strategy; incentives.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2009.025066

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2009 Vol.6 No.5, pp.568 - 580

Published online: 11 May 2009 *

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