Why Experts Say Yes: Uncovering the motivations behind voluntary knowledge sharing in an innovation hub such as Open Brains
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2025-07-07
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en
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This thesis investigates the underlying motivation of participants in an innovation hub such as
Open Brains. The qualitative, exploratory study is based on 23 semi-structured interviews.
Based on their level of engagement, three participant types have been distinguished: serial,
incidental and disengaged participants. The data was thematically analysed using a hybrid
approach. Motivation such as altruism, meaning, and personal/professional growth play an
important role in all groups, as these motivations were often intertwined in practice, they were
combined during the analysis. Extrinsic motivations, such as network opportunities, are
especially visible in incidental and disengaged participants. Serial participants are often
embedded in the broader ecosystem and contribute from shared ownership. Incidental
participants are mainly driven by curiosity and thematic connection. Disengaged participants
often disengage due to a lack of visible yield or relevance to their own professional practice.
Across all groups, it appears that contextual conditions such as structure, rhythm, thematic
connection, communication and follow-up determine the perceived value and sustained of
engagement. The thesis concludes that voluntary knowledge sharing in innovation hub depends
not only on individual motivation, but is strongly influenced by contextual conditions.
Structured sessions and attention to reciprocity appears to be crucial for engaging participants
sustainably.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen