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Knowledge management in SME networks

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Knowledge Management Research & Practice

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the role of knowledge management (KM) in networks participated by small firms. To achieve this objective, the literature on KM in small firms has been reviewed. A research question has been defined and addressed through a questionnaire survey conducted in a small firms network. The findings indicate that the surveyed companies perceive the strategic value of KM and adopt several systems even if its adoption is constrained by a number of barriers. The results suggest that firms investigated need to adopt advanced KM systems to manage knowledge more effectively at network level. The evidences also indicate that the surveyed firms are willing to adopt a platform supporting the sharing and exchange of knowledge in the network with a positive impact on innovation processes and the exploitation of market opportunities. The paper outlines some managerial implications as well as avenues for further research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    Emilio Esposito

  2. Research Institute on Innovation and Services for Development (IRISS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy

    Pietro Evangelista

Authors
  1. Emilio Esposito
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  2. Pietro Evangelista
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Correspondence to Emilio Esposito.

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Esposito, E., Evangelista, P. Knowledge management in SME networks. Knowl Manage Res Pract 14, 204–212 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2015.18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2015.18

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