Knowledge broker

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A Knowledge broker is an intermediary (an organization or a person), which provides links, knowledge sources, and in some cases knowledge itself (i.e. technical know-how, market insights, etc) to organizations in its network. Typically a knowledge broker operates in multiple markets and technology domains.^[1]

The concept of knowledge brokers is closely related to the concept of knowledge spillovers.

Function

Knowledge brokers facilitate the transfer of knowledge from where it is abundant to where it is needed, thereby improving the innovative capability of organization in their network.

Knowledge brokers are typically involved in all of the activities below^[1]:

• Establishing access to knowledge (i.e. screening and recognizing valuable knowledge across organizations and industries)
• Learning (i.e. internalizing experiences from a variety of industries, technology platforms, etc.)
• Linking of separate knowledge pools (i.e. through joint research, consulting services, etc.)
• Implementation of knowledge in new settings (i.e. by combining existing knowledge in new ways)

Examples of knowledge brokers

Every individual or organization, which has access to knowledge from several, unconnected entities, can theoretically act as a knowledge broker. Certain types of organizations have been identified to be primarily acting as knowledge brokers:

• Dedicated knowledge brokers^[2] (i.e. ESADE Creapolis and Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação)
• Venture capitalists^[3]
• Consulting firms^[1]

References