Crafting the virtual prototype: how firms integrate knowledge and capabilities across organisational boundaries

This paper argues that the role of software in supporting inter-functional cooperation and the coordination of knowledge and activities depends on the organisation's ability to nurture integrating routines which support two-directional translation flows between 'local' and 'global' knowledge and activity levels.

Abstract

This paper examines the introduction of Integrated Software Technologies in Product Development focusing on their influence on organisational Experimentation and Prototyping practices. In particular, it explores the role of ‘virtual prototyping’ techniques, concepts and models in facilitating multi-functional processes coordination and multi-disciplinary knowledge integration. It argues that the role of software in supporting inter-functional cooperation and the coordination of knowledge and activities depends on the organisation’s ability to nurture integrating routines which support two-directional translation flows between ‘local’ (function-based) and ‘global’ (computer-embedded) knowledge and activity levels. These mechanisms also lie at the heart of dynamic capabilities’ creation and maintenance.