Knowledge And Learning In Clusters And Networks

Understanding knowledge process in clusters and networks involves combining competence analysis and setting up an appropriate management perspective. The first term includes innovation and learning while the second involve relational risk management. Constructivist vision of knowledge assumes the existence of a cognitive distance between organizations within a cluster or network as they develop a set of cognitive structures while carrying out various tasks, hence they will think (perceive, interpret, explain, evaluate) things differently. In the context of knowledge based management, the goal of new inter-organizational relations between actors within a cluster, in addition to the traditional ones, becomes coping with the need to compromise between organizational identity and internal competences. In learning and innovation within the interaction between these organizations, cognitive distance determines both opportunities and problems. This article analyzes, from a theoretical perspective, the value of innovative cognitive capacities of partners within clusters and networks, from knowledge management and learning perspectives. We conclude that although familiarity promotes reliability, this may reduce the potential for organizational learning.