Boundary objects: Supporting better, collabortive practice and research

The purpose of this paper is to look for boundary objects that can develop andfacilitate a “knowledge base”, which can facilitate collaboration between faculty andindustry. The paper investigates the meaning of boundary objects. It is a conceptualpaper with an empirical example. The empirical example is from a Danish (global)supplier engaged in a development project with technical aid (tools) in mounting andassembling gypsum walls. The example demonstrates how the use of boundaryobjects help the supplier to gain an understanding of different professional practicesand aid the transformation to utilise smarter tools. The concept of boundary objectsenables an understanding of the epistemological difference inherent in the process ofcollaboration and research between the university and the wider construction industry.Boundary objects can be used to improve present technical understanding and furtherits implementation, which is a valuable function for applied research institutionsdepending on collaboration from a broad range of stakeholder groups. A three-stepphase model is suggested for the use of boundary objects to develop and improvepresent and new practices and technologies