Abstract

This paper aims to identify knowledge flows in cluster organizations (COs). On the basis of a literature analysis on knowledge flows and cluster organizations, the following research question was formulated: What kind of knowledge flows can be identified in cluster organizations and what is their main characteristics? The paper is based on a literature analysis and Grounded Theory methodology, examining four purposefully selected cluster organizations in Poland. To answer research question, in total 35 in-depth individual interviews were conducted with cluster entities. The results of the study show that there are two major types of knowledge flows in cluster organizations that can be identified, namely: internal transfer understood as transmission of knowledge and information inside COs (among cluster entities) and acquiring knowledge and information from outside COs/ transmission outside COs. As far as the characteristics of the identified knowledge flows is concerned, they can be defined with regard to the type of information and knowledge in the analyzed knowledge flows as well as the commitment (key activities) in cluster cooperation. The study demonstrates that in some knowledge flows only selected, the most engaged cluster members take part. Depending on the form of commitment, they can participate in one-way or two-way flows of knowledge and information. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the potential knowledge flows in cluster organizations and their characteristics. The novelty of the paper resides in the fact that so far the topic of knowledge flows among cluster organizations has been examined in a fragmented way and there is a scarcity of research in this area. However, research results are limited to four cluster organizations, all located in Poland. As such, they cannot illustrate the whole picture of cluster entities from other countries. The subjectivity of qualitative research also does not allow generalizing results on the entire population of cluster organizations in Poland. Propositions formulated on the basis of qualitative research should be tested on a larger sample, on the basis of quantitative research.

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