This paper discusses the knowledge creation process in one department,
in a higher educational context, and the possible actions to take to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the knowledge creation
system in it. We conducted a case study at one department of a
university that strives to improve its innovations, in terms of their
quantity and quality.We used a soft system methodology to investigate
the knowledge creation system in the chosen department. From the study,
we conclude that the department can be considered as a learning
organization, within which its staff continually create, acquire and
transfer knowledge. This department has a learning environment which is
conducive, concrete learning processes, and leadership that reinforces
learning. In the context of producing agroindustry innovations, the
knowledge creation system in this department is considered to be less
effective since it frequently happens more at individual or small group
levels. To improve its effectiveness, the management may facilitate the
institutionalization of knowledge creation processes at every phase of
the interactions between tacit and explicit knowledge.