The role of knowledge transfer in technological innovation: an oil and gas industry perspective

This paper presents the results of primary research into the role of knowledge and knowledge transfer within the technological innovation process in the U.K. upstream oil and gas industry. The research employed a qualitative approach using narrative interviews as a method for data collection, and an analytical template to analyse the data. The findings indicate the critical role played by enabling organisations as conduits of knowledge within the technological innovation process. Limitations of the research include the size of sample. Further research could focus on other enabling organisations. Potential practical implications include the development of a better understanding of the role of knowledge and knowledge transfer by actors, leading to the improvement of the technological innovation process itself. The work contributes to understanding the relationships, which exist between knowledge transfer and the technological innovation process, and to the forms and types of knowledge present within this process.