Learning to innovate: the development of implicit knowledge about innovation through simulation training

This PhD project focuses on the development of innovative potential employees. Under innovation potential we understand the necessary knowledge to innovation processes to a successful conclusion. This knowledge can be divided into explicit (declarative) knowledge and implicit (procedural) knowledge (Polanyi, 1958). In this respect, focus existing forms of training in organizations on the development of explicit knowledge. After all, this is because the development of tacit knowledge requires the application in practice and only looks through a time-consuming process by learning based on experience and the work to be accomplished by experts (Nonaka, 1994). In the context of innovation development of tacit knowledge is a particularly difficult challenge for organizations (Ribeiro, 2013). Given the complexity and the risks associated with innovation processes, it is not easy to prepare inexperienced workers a role in here. Innovation is thus organizations risky affair and employee development herein is a time consuming process. The central problem in this research project is the following: How can the innovation potential (tacit knowledge) of workers at a time efficient way to develop through training? This project aims to develop a new form of training, namely simulation training, so workers could develop implicit knowledge about the innovation process. Particularly in the simulation training is that it builds on simulations simulation tests used to assess the potential of candidates in selection procedures (Motowido, Dunnette, & Carter, 1990).