New Modes of Learning in Services: A Study of Hong Kong's Consulting Engineers

The point of departure of this paper is that Hong Kong consulting engineers face a challenge of making a transition from a traditional mode of learning based primarily on the exploitation of existing knowledge to a more innovation-oriented mode of learning. Focusing on three key dimensions of the accumulation of knowledge in the consulting engineering sector, the paper examines the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to an innovation-oriented mode of learning among consulting engineering firms in Hong Kong. First, the paper studies the role of mobilizing creative human resources; second, it examines the role of partnership and interaction in project-based organizations; third, it explores the effects of more widespread use of information and communication technology (ICT) for enhancing the flow of knowledge and innovation in the sector.