Knowledge integration in multidisciplinary teams as an enabler of innovation in technology-based industries (Work in progress)

Abstract

Today ́s complex sustainability problems require answers that integrate knowledge from different disciplines, however, the diversity of perspectives in multidisciplinary teams introduces conflict in knowledge integration and delays novel solutions creation. To achieve a common perspective, the existing literature focuses on extensive deep-knowledge dialogue to understand the cross epistemic boundary, dialectics to resolve contradictions or the use of abductive logic to reframe problems, but no practical model clarifies how to maximize knowledge integration during technical innovation in multidisciplinary teams. This ongoing retrospective longitudinal exploratory multiple case study aims to identify which processes facilitate the integration of engineering, management, and design knowledge to create innovative solutions. The emerging model might agilize organizational response to sustainability challenges.