Knowledge transfer in IT outsourcing relationships: three international case studies

Several researchers emphasise the important role of knowledge for inter-organisational learning and innovation. An outsourcing arrangement between vendor and client seems dependent on knowledge transfer. Nevertheless, our three case studies indicate that the importance of knowledge transfer was discovered after implementation of each outsourcing arrangement. With changing business environments, the locus of value creation is no longer within the boundaries of a single firm, but occurs instead at the nexus of relationships between parties. With the growing importance of pooling knowledge resources, knowledge management will have to transcend organisational boundaries.