Knowledge transfer model for agricultural engineering

Abstract

E. Quendler, J. Boxberger

(Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Agricultural Engineering, Peter Jordan Strasse 82, 1190 Wien, Austria)

Abstract: Farmers need proven and new knowledge of engineering matters to solve technical problems and manage technical investments in their agricultural business.  According to the recent budget restriction, the Bavarian state aims in the future to be involved in providing only those goods and services which the private sector is not willing to provide.  The overall aim of this paper is the identification of a model which guarantees an effective and uninterrupted knowledge transfer, despite restricted resources.  An important aspect of knowledge transfer in Agricultural Engineering is the missing availability of advice in engineering for farmers in the private sector.  The sources used for identifying adequate transfer models were the literature, existing models of advisory systems, expert panels, and questioning of selected actors in the existing knowledge transfer system.  The relevant criteria for developing a model is the limited number of public consultants, the farm-related amount of investments in sustainable farm businesses, key competences of Bavarian farms, the demand for advisory services of the majority of farms, and the possibilities of a work-sharing cooperation between public and private advisory services.  In this model, public consultants have to act as supra-regional multipliers, as knowledge engineers, they identify and provide relevant new expert information and expert knowledge for advisers in the regions, farmers and other demanders in time.  Other identified instruments for efficiency increase in knowledge transfer are the shortening of knowledge transfer ways, application of new information and communication technologies, and reorganisation according to communication channels.  External communication can be improved by networks between actors in knowledge transfer and timely consultant profiles, next to the cooperation possibilities with private advisory organisations and the building-up of demand-oriented core capabilities.

Keywords: knowledge transfer, advice, modelling, reorganisation, multiplier, cooperation

Citation: Quendler E, J. Boxberger.  Knowledge transfer model for agricultural engineering.  Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 2010, 12(3): 92-99.