Learning and knowledge processes in inter-organizational communities of practice

Communities of practice (CoPs) have increasingly become popular in recent years, in particular within large multinational organizations. They are defined as learning groups in which new insights can be transformed into knowledge through mutual engagement around a joint enterprise (Wenger, 1998: 214). Close interaction of experience and competence is seen as the central prerequisite for leading-edge learning and innovative practices in CoPs. In particular, learning in the context of a concrete practice that is shared by all members of the CoP, is central to the concept. In this empirically based paper it is argued that, contrary to expectations, this model can be deployed successfully. Authors observed CoPs in which inter-organizational multidisciplinary groups voluntarily engaged in analysing and solving real-life problems. These problems all concerned design and management of innovative and sustainable industrial and commercial zones. The inter-organizational CoP presented in this paper, proved to be a fruitful environment for generating innovative ideas and practices. The joint enterprise in this community was the generator of momentum and the catalyst of community development.