Search

The objective of this thesis is to examine the role of the Internet in knowledge processes at three universities in the South. Building on theories on knowledge transfer and knowledge creation, the thesis develops a conceptual framework for analyzing knowledge processes where the Internet is involved. The study focuses on three main aspects: The Internet used to acquire knowledge, to share knowledge and to build and maintain networks. In addition the study identifies and discusses factors that influence on how a researcher uses the Internet. Based on an analysis of qualitative interviews with 25 researchers at three different universities in Indonesia, it is found that the Internet can be a main information source, but this is depending on the researchers’ background and network, and also on easy access to Internet facilities. It is further revealed that the use of the Internet for publishing of own research work is limited and arbitrary. The analysis also shows that email and mailing lists are highly important tools for maintaining an international network.