Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISIBoundary spanning refers to activities that span networks and boundaries to transfer knowledge and resources within and between organizations. Boundary spanners can be employees or organizational and business units. They have the relevant skills and can be seen as mediators and translators of knowledge between the organization and its external environment, but also within an organization. They are able to overcome obstructive hierarchies. The goal is to activate boundary spanners and to develop relationships with units inside and outside the organization.