Knowledge Management in UK Higher Education Institutions: What Type of Outcomes Do Higher Education Partnerships Attain?

This research paper sought to examine the role and contribution of Knowledge Management (KM) in UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) partnerships outcomes. The author conducted a qualitative research making use of semi-structured interviews with nine elite respondents who for the purpose of this research were defined as individuals that have been involved in initiating, developing and managing HE partnerships at executive levels. The analyses demonstrate that HEI partnerships may produce a wide range of outcomes depending on the external factors, purpose, length, specialism, and priorities of the collaboration. Nevertheless, this research has identified 18 partnership outcomes which are grouped into three categories such as academic, financial and marketing and managerial outcomes. Results of the research infer that performing in accordance to partner’s expectations helps overcome trust related issues thus building confidence in partners. The establishment of confidence might lead towards exploring other collaborative possibilities and therefore be able to have a combination of academic, financial and marketing and managerial outcomes at the same time. Results show that nurturing and supporting the application of KM activities is essential in allowing the HE partners to share, transfer, apply and absorb the knowledge needed to attain the intended partnership outcomes. The extent to which knowledge is exchanged and distributed within and across HEI partners might encourage the development of new products and services which in return helps an HEI to minimize risk through portfolio diversification and establish a sustainable business model