International innovative collaborations in the public sector

Research goal: The aim of the research is to understand the mechanisms of knowledge sharing within international innovative collaborations in the public sector. Design: Relevant literature is analysed and used to identify elements known about knowledge sharing and international collaborations in the public sector. Document analysis and a total of 8 interviews, from six organizations and five different countries, are conducted and analysed in order to achieve the aim of the study. Findings: The findings not only show how public organizations collaborate internationally but the focus on knowledge sharing leads to the creation of a three-phase process (initiation, execution and acquisition and implementation) in which the mechanisms of knowledge sharing are highlighted. Within the process different implications (positive and challenges/barriers) are shown and explained. Implications: The insides added with this study concerns mostly knowledge sharing in an international public context. Therefore, theoretical and practical implications reside in the three- phase model. Key words: International innovative collaborations, public organizations, knowledge sharing, international networks, public value.