Innovation in social networks: knowledge spillover is not enough

Knowledge has become increasingly specialized and thus trapped in discipline and sector silos. A rich exchange of ideas across disciplines and sectors can lead to invaluable knowledge spillovers and innovation; however, when knowledge is elite, it is not easily blended. This research explores the utility of using online social network platforms to accelerate knowledge spillovers. The project established a virtual heterarchical social network (VHSN) with targeted ‘Knowledge Clusters’. Findings validate the efficacy of using online social networks as incubators for cross-cutting collaboration. Results further demonstrate how Knowledge Clusters can facilitate distributed knowledge spillovers. However, spillovers in the cross-sector networks were narrowly absorbed into their recipients’ silos of origin. The VHSN did not realize its full innovation potential. The utility of the social network platform is discussed highlighting the importance of adopting new tools and methodologies engineered to promote cross-cutting engagement in order to speed translational science from discovery to commercialization.