The knowledge transfer from the humanities: Possibilities and characteristics

Abstract

This article analyzes the specific features that characterise knowledge transfer from Social Sciences and Humanities research groups to their socioeconomic environment. First, it shows that knowledge transfer is a complex and evolving concept. Second, to capture this complexity we identify the factors that affect knowledge transfer following Bozeman's model (2000). We then apply the model to the empirical data obtained from interviews with heads of research groups in the Spanish Council for Scientific Research. The results show that the characteristics of the transfer process (in terms of the type of agents involved, the content of the transfer, dissemination mechanisms, receivers and the contextual factors, barriers to transfer) are very different in the social sciences and humanities from those prevalent in the experimental sciences and engineering. Consequently the policies to support efficient knowledge transfer must also be different and tailored to the specific characteristics of knowledge and production and use in the social sciences and humanities.