Managing knowledge in Proof-of-Concept Projects

Over the past decades, research on academic engagement has grown, mainly focusing on entrepreneurship such as patenting, licensing, joint ventures and spin-offs. Academics also apply knowledge through other forms of university–industry interaction, as Proof-of-Concept (PoC) - small, funded projects aimed to test the feasibility of new technologies or research-based innovations. In management studies, PoC projects reduce uncertainty while pursuing novel objectives. Managing uncertainty requires attention to interactional dynamics: problems are addressed through networks spanning organizational and disciplinary boundaries. A central challenge is establishing common knowledge and integrating specialized, complementary expertise among researchers, professionals, managers and entrepreneurs. This study is part of the research project PRIN 2022, “Opening the black box of proof-of-concept projects: challenges and opportunities” (CUP E53D23006130006), within a broader research agenda on knowledge integration in project-based contexts.