Beyond the Line

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to enhance knowledge of the role of technical and engineering consulting firms in the innovation and knowledge process of client firms. We also had the intention to contribute to improvement work in this area on both sides, that is both helping clients to become better at involving technical consulting firms, and technical consulting firms becoming better at contributing to value-creation and innovation activities in their client firms. For details, see publication list.

Expected results and effects

We would in particular like to emphasize: The benchmarking instrument The reflexivity instrument The knowledge cycling theory The liminality framework with concepts such as liminality competence and liminality practices Various conferences and participation in congresses Various examples of methodology development as part of data collection, including the reflexivity survey mentioned earlier, the diary tool, and the liminality maturity model. For details, see separate publication list.

Planned approach and implementation

We have worked hard to establish a range of activities to conduct our research as well as influence practice development. More details about our methods and approaches are found in the various papers published from our research. We list some of the most important ones below: Case study of single technical consulting firms Multiple case study of leading technical consulting firms Interview studies Workshops Scale development Client study of involvement and value-creation of technical consultancies Survey of reflexivity with technical consultants