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

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.

Keywords: Knowledge integration, commercialization of science, science-based companies