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Towards understanding variety in knowledge intensive business services by distinguishing their knowledge bases

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  • Pina, Katia
  • Tether, Bruce S.

Abstract

Knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) are known to play a significant role in innovation systems. Past research has however mostly treated KIBS as a homogenous group; it is now time to understand better the variety that exists among KIBS. In this study, we apply a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to examine a dataset of 362 UK-based KIBS firms active in three ‘sectors’: architecture and engineering consulting; specialist design; and software and IT consulting. By applying content analysis techniques to information drawn from firms’ websites, we identify each firm's primary ‘knowledge base’, be that analytical, synthetic or symbolic knowledge. We then relate the firms’ primary knowledge base to their engagement in R&D, design, and innovation, and examine how the ‘drivers’ of innovation vary between firms with different primary knowledge bases. The paper thereby contributes to the literature, first by identifying empirically ‘knowledge bases’, then relating these to the variety that exists among KIBS. The paper concludes by highlighting issues for further conceptual, methodological and empirical research.

Suggested Citation

  • Pina, Katia & Tether, Bruce S., 2016. "Towards understanding variety in knowledge intensive business services by distinguishing their knowledge bases," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(2), pages 401-413.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:45:y:2016:i:2:p:401-413
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2015.10.005
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    6. Dioni Elche & Davide Consoli & Mabel Sánchez-Barrioluengo, 2021. "From brawn to brains: manufacturing–KIBS interdependency," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(7), pages 1282-1298, July.
    7. Seungil Yum, 2019. "The interaction between knowledge-intensive business services and urban economy," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 63(1), pages 53-83, August.
    8. Zhao, Juanjuan & Bentlage, Michael & Thierstein, Alain, 2017. "Residence, workplace and commute: Interrelated spatial choices of knowledge workers in the metropolitan region of Munich," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 197-212.
    9. Ian Miles & Jean Pierre Seclen, 2022. "Introduction," EKONOMIAZ. Revista vasca de Economía, Gobierno Vasco / Eusko Jaurlaritza / Basque Government, vol. 102(02), pages 20-25.
    10. Rodriguez, Mercedes & Doloreux, David & Shearmur, Richard, 2017. "Variety in external knowledge sourcing and innovation novelty: Evidence from the KIBS sector in Spain," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 35-43.
    11. Jan Ženka & Luděk Krtička & Lenka Paszová & Tereza Pundová & Kateřina Rudincová & Simona Šťastná & Veronika Svetlíková & Jan Matula, 2021. "Micro-Geographies of Information and Communication Technology Firms in a Shrinking Medium-Sized Industrial City of Ostrava (Czechia)," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-26, July.
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    14. Samul Joanna & Skapska Elzbieta & Pankov Dmitrij, 2019. "Employees’ Competences in Knowledge-Intensive Business Sector – Comparative Analysis in Two Cee Countries," Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Oeconomica, Sciendo, vol. 64(1), pages 3-15, April.
    15. Grillitsch, Markus & Schubert, Torben & Srholec, Martin, 2019. "Knowledge base combinations and firm growth," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 234-247.
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    18. Grillitsch, Markus & Schubert, Torben & Srholec, Martin, 2016. "Knowledge diversity and firm growth: Searching for a missing link," Papers in Innovation Studies 2016/13, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    19. Sverre J. Herstad & Marte C. W. Solheim & Marit Engen, 2021. "Collected worker experiences, knowledge management practices and service innovation in urban Norway," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 100(6), pages 1501-1525, December.
    20. Martin, Roman & Wiig Aslesen, Heidi & Grillitsch, Markus & Herstad, Sverre, 2017. "Regional Innovation Systems and Global Flows of Knowledge," Papers in Innovation Studies 2017/7, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    21. Corradini, Carlo & D'Ippolito, Beatrice, 2022. "Persistence and learning effects in design innovation: Evidence from panel data," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(2).
    22. Daniel Feser, 2023. "Innovation intermediaries revised: a systematic literature review on innovation intermediaries’ role for knowledge sharing," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 1827-1862, July.
    23. Li Yang & Dawei Wang & Yuanpeng Ji & Lizhi Xing, 2023. "On the Internal Synergistic Mechanism of Operating System of Beijing’s High-Technology Industry Chain: Evidence from Science and Technology Service Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-17, January.

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