Developing innovation capabilities through Programme Communities of Practice: Evidence from Wales

This paper presents empirical evidence on how publicly funded programme communities of practice (CoPs) enhance learning and innovation activities at the organisational and inter-organisational level, which in turn develop organisation's innovation capabilities. It draws upon studies on two programme CoPs in Wales and presents eight case studies. Findings reveal, firstly, that CoP can promote the learning of new tools, knowledge, and technologies to encourage product and service innovation. Secondly, CoPs can promote innovative solutions to common challenges, such as implementing circular economy principles. Thirdly, CoP can facilitate collaborative inter-organisation innovation. Our paper answers the recent call for empirical research on the role of publicly funded collaborative projects that support business to innovate. It also expands the understanding of adopting CoP for management education. Practically the framework we developed can guide policy makers and practitioners on how universities can share risk, knowledge, and support organisations to develop their innovation capabilities and achieve sustainable development. • This paper presents empirical evidence on how programme CoPs enhance innovation. • It draws upon studies on two programme CoPs in Wales and presents eight case studies. • Findings reveal the positive role of CoPs in organisational learning. • CoPs can also promote inter-organisational collaboration to support sustainable development.