Managing Knowledge Network Processes in the Commercialization of Science: Two Probiotica Discovery Processes in Finland and Swed

Abstract

To learn more about the formation, transformation and interaction of knowledge networking, we studied two processes of commercialisation of scientific knowledge. Both involved a Lactobacillus strain – Lp299v, in Sweden, and LGG, in Finland – and two different companies. The first, a small science company, was established expressly to commercialise Lp299v, while the other, a large dairy company, sought to develop new functional food products from LGG. Both were successful, but differed in knowledge networking in the research, commercialization and stabilization phases. For Lp299v, pioneer knowledge networking dominated and commercialization unfolded more smoothly than for LGG, where modular networking prevailed. This indicates that, in science-based innovation, the balance between pioneer and modular modes of knowledge networking must be considered, and that there is a relation between modes, and the structure of the problems. New questions are raised about the challenges that various kinds and sizes of companies experience in different stages of innovation.