CONCEPTUALIZING KNOWLEDGE USED IN INNOVATION - A 2ND LOOK AT THE SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY DISTINCTION AND INDUSTRIAL-INNOVATION

This article reviews empirical and conceptual material from two distin ct research traditions: on the science-technology relation and on indu strial innovation. It aims both to shed new light on an old debate-the distinction between scientific and technological knowledge-to refine our conceptualizations of the knowledge used by companies in the cours e of research and development leading to innovation. On the basis of t hree empirical studies, a composite categorization of different types of knowledge used in innovation is proposed, as part of a broader fram ework encompassing two further taxonomic dimensions. It is hoped that this typology and framework might provide useful research tools in fur thering our understanding of the knowledge transfers and transformatio ns that occur in the course of innovation. It could also prove useful for organizations and groups facing difficult strategic choices about technology.