ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the three main aspects that are of relevance when analysing transnational learning and knowledge development, namely conceptions of 'learning', 'knowledge' and 'cooperation'. It presents on 'learning' takes a look at how both psychological and organisational studies approach the subject. The chapter provides an overview of the main characteristics and challenges of cooperation in international, inter-organisational and inter-disciplinary projects. Organisational studies have a long history in conceptualising learning processes and effects taking place alongside practical organisational activity. The differentiation made by into tacit and explicit knowledge and conceptualisations of the influence certain knowledge characteristics have on knowledge transferability are of particular relevance for transnational cooperation projects as they touch upon major challenges in exchanging knowledge in cooperative settings. The main challenge of knowledge development in projects is the difficulty for organisational learning due to much of the knowledge generated in the project activities being embedded in tacit experiences of the group members.
