How to Support Knowledge Exchange in a Multi-division Manufacturing Firm Using a Prototype Platform?

Knowledge management and intellectual capital are essential factors in a company's success. An intrinsic element of knowledge management is knowledge exchange. Obtaining knowledge outside of a firm's boundaries, also known as open innovation, is necessary. Although these topics are well described in the literature, they seem less developed in a manufacturing context. The current economic context is favourable to the firm's merger and acquisition. This paper aims to understand how knowledge exchange can be supported in a multi-division manufacturing SME. During three months, thanks to a prototype platform, part of the knowledge exchanges and collaboration were tracked and evaluated in a Quebec aerospace multi-division manufacturing firm. Through this period, knowledge exchanges’ quantity, success and collaboration symmetry were monitored. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the experimentation with the members to gather the foundations and limitations of the prototype platform. This one proposes a supportive organizational structure and incentives which enhance knowledge exchanges among involved SMEs. This prototype platform approach should provide the foundations of more structured knowledge exchanges.