Boundary objects: Supporting better collaborative practice and research

The purpose of this paper is to look for boundary objects that can develop and facilitate a "knowledge base", which can facilitate collaboration between faculty and industry. The paper investigates the meaning of boundary objects. It is a conceptual paper with an empirical example. The empirical example is from a Danish (global) supplier engaged in a development project with technical aid (tools) in mounting and assembling gypsum walls. The example demonstrates how the use of boundary objects help the supplier to gain an understanding of different professional practices and aid the transformation to utilise smarter tools. The concept of boundary objects enables an understanding of the epistemological difference inherent in the process of collaboration and research between the university and the wider construction industry. Boundary objects can be used to improve present technical understanding and further its implementation, which is a valuable function for applied research institutions depending on collaboration from a broad range of stakeholder groups. A three-step phase model is suggested for the use of boundary objects to develop and improve present and new practices and technologies.