A Study on the Challenges of Knowledge Externalization in Small-Scale Research Projects

Xin Liu; Jingyu Bo; Jiushuang Wang; Jian Li; Jing Lin

doi:10.2991/978-94-6239-777-4_38

<Previous Article In Volume

Next Article In Volume>

A Study on the Challenges of Knowledge Externalization in Small-Scale Research Projects

Authors

Xin Liu¹^{, 2}, Jingyu Bo¹^{, 2}, Jiushuang Wang¹^{, 2}, Jian Li¹^{, 2}, Jing Lin¹^{, 2}^{, *}

¹China Internet Network Information Center, Beijing, 100070, China

²National Engineering Lab for Naming and Addressing (NATLAB), Beijing, 100070, China

^*Corresponding author.

Corresponding Author

Jing Lin

Available Online 30 September 2026.

DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6239-777-4_38 How to use a DOI?
Keywords: Institutional density; Knowledge externalization; Small-scale research projects; Exploratory activities; Cognitive triggers
Abstract: Knowledge management in small-scale research projects faces a difficult-to-resolve contradiction. Knowledge creation in such projects relies heavily on individual experience and intuition; however, precisely because of their small scale and short duration, there is insufficient institutional support to transform this individual knowledge into organizational capital. This paper employs the concept of “institutional density” to analyze this issue. By comparing three scenarios—large-scale projects, routine operations, and small-scale projects—We find that small-scale projects represent a virtual institutional vacuum when it comes to knowledge externalization. By tracking a DNS resolution simulation project, We identified four points where knowledge flow is blocked. We also used the theoretical framework of exploration and exploitation to explain why this institutional mismatch occurs. Finally, We propose that in environments with low institutional density, knowledge management should not rely on coercion but rather on cognitive triggers. This idea offers a practical approach to managing knowledge in exploratory activities.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s)
Open Access: Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Download article (PDF)

<Previous Article In Volume

Next Article In Volume>

Volume Title: Proceedings of the 2026 8th International Conference on Economic Management and Cultural Industry (ICEMCI 2026)
Series: Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research
Publication Date: 30 September 2026
ISBN: 978-94-6239-777-4
ISSN: 2352-5428
DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6239-777-4_38 How to use a DOI?
Open Access: Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Cite this article

ris enw bib

TY  - CONF
AU  - Xin Liu
AU  - Jingyu Bo
AU  - Jiushuang Wang
AU  - Jian Li
AU  - Jing Lin
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/30
TI  - A Study on the Challenges of Knowledge Externalization in Small-Scale Research Projects
BT  - Proceedings of the 2026 8th International Conference on Economic Management and Cultural Industry (ICEMCI 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 349
EP  - 364
SN  - 2352-5428
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-777-4_38
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-777-4_38
ID  - Liu2026
ER  -

download .riscopy to clipboard