Abstract: Under the era of knowledge economy, knowledge transfer plays a vital role for the performance of Industry-University-Research-User (IURU) collaborative innovation. This article introduces the modularity theory aims at studying the knowledge transfer issue of IURU collaborative innovation, in which the design modularity combining organizational modularity are respectively crossed for the discussion of mechanism of knowledge transfer. Moving forward, an empirical case of Haier is adopted to further analyze its practices of collaborative innovation as well as modularity innovation (product & organization), and therein the knowledge transfer coordination mechanisms are also discussed. There are some conclusions: (1) modularity can not only help promote IUR switch from “face-to-face” to “side-by-side” collaborative innovation, but adjusts the knowledge transfer strategy among partners; (2) while module interface could act as one of effective channel for harmonizing information asymmetric issue and implementing knowledge transfer. The outcome of this study could be of reference for China enterprises during their exploration of IURU mode as well as implementation of knowledge transfer.

摘要： 知识经济情境下，知识转移对于产学研用协同创新的绩效至关重要。文章引入模块化理论来研究产学研用协同创新过程中的知识转移问题，并重点从产品模块化和组织模块化的视角分别探讨了知识转移的协调机制。在此基础上，以海尔为案例系统地分析了其产品模块化和产学研用协同创新实践，讨论了案例企业采用模块化手段与外部合作资源开展知识交互，以及基于模块化的知识转移协调机制的具体应用。研究发现：模块化不但有助于推动企业与高校、科研院所从“面对面”转向“背靠背”的产学研用协同创新，更有利于调节知识供需双方的知识转移策略；模块接口则作为知识供需双方消除信息不对称、实施知识转移的重要管道。本研究可以为中国企业探索需求驱动下的产学研协同创新模式以及实施知识转移提供借鉴。