Theoretical framework and ongoing observation of knowledge integration in interdisciplinary collaboration: intervention study on a project funded by a Japanese ministry

Summary form only given. In technology management or in the management on R&D, interdisciplinary collaboration is needed, since it is considered that this kind of collaboration is fruitful to help national industry overcome some of its current technological shortcomings. The aim of the present study is to analyze communication difficulties in interdisciplinary collaboration, and to analyze the knowledge integration process considering the requirement, externally defined objectives. First, the theoretical framework of the interdisciplinary collaboration is shown using the criteria of scientific validity that is important for analysis of communication difficulties and for discussion on knowledge integration. Then utilizing this framework, ongoing observation, intervention, and evaluation of the intervention are conducted on a project that is funded by one of the Japanese Ministries. The results showed that the analysis of the communication difficulties based on theoretical framework with scientific criteria is useful for making clear the conflict structure in interdisciplinary collaboration. It is also shown that the intervention based on the framework showing the difference between analysis and synthesis, and also including the guideline for making the synthesis report, had several effects on outputs and on communication dynamics of the project. It is concluded that the analysis of communication difficulties and the intervention based on the theoretical framework is useful and effective for improvement of the interdisciplinary project activities