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Knowledge Management, Knowledge Creation, and Open Innovation in Icelandic SMEs

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  • Elsa Grimsdottir
  • Ingi Runar Edvardsson

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present findings on knowledge management (KM) and knowledge creation, as well as open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iceland. Two SME company case studies are presented in the form of a case study involving semistructured interviews with managers and selected employees and in-field observation. Company Alpha is a software company, whereas Company Beta is a family company which produces drinks and snacks. Knowledge creation and innovation is a learning process in both companies. The two companies show very different open-innovation models in practice. The findings regarding the two companies are in accordance with the arguments of Chiaroni et al., where they state that high-tech companies tend to prefer inside-out strategies of open innovation, whereas low-tech companies prefer outside-in strategies. Company Alpha relates to customers late in the process, whereas Company Beta relies on knowledge from customers and suppliers and for new knowledge early on in the process.

Suggested Citation

  • Elsa Grimsdottir & Ingi Runar Edvardsson, 2018. "Knowledge Management, Knowledge Creation, and Open Innovation in Icelandic SMEs," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(4), pages 21582440188, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:8:y:2018:i:4:p:2158244018807320
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244018807320
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    Cited by:

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    2. Soon Seng Tung & Magiswary Dorasamy & Ruzanna Ab Razak, 2022. "Knowledge Creation for Digital Innovation in Malaysia: Practitioners’ Standpoint," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, September.
    3. Zahid Sarwar & Muhammad Asif Khan & Zhen Yang & Adnan Khan & Muhammad Haseeb & Aaqib Sarwar, 2021. "An Investigation of Entrepreneurial SMEs’ Network Capability and Social Capital to Accomplish Innovativeness: A Dynamic Capability Perspective," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(3), pages 21582440211, July.
    4. Gustavo Dambiski Gomes de Carvalho & Luis Mauricio Martins de Resende & Joseane Pontes & Hélio Gomes de Carvalho & Leozenir Mendes Betim, 2021. "Innovation and Management in MSMEs: A Literature Review of Highly Cited Papers," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, October.
    5. Fengdi Chu & Wei Zhang & Shaobo Wu & Guolei Liu, 2021. "How Does Individual-Level Envy Affect Team Creativity? Effects of Knowledge Seeking and Moral Reflection," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, October.
    6. Leogrande, Angelo & Costantiello, Alberto & Laureti, Lucio & Matarrese, Marco Maria, 2022. "Innovative SMEs Collaborating with Others in Europe," MPRA Paper 113008, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Selma Leticia Capinzaiki Ottonicar & Paloma Marin Arraiza & Fabiano Armellini, 2020. "Opening Science and Innovation: Opportunities for Emerging Economies," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 14(4), pages 95-111.
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    9. Dziurski Patryk & Sopińska Agnieszka, 2020. "Does industry matter? Drivers and barriers for open innovation in high-tech and non-high-tech industries—Evidence from Poland," International Journal of Management and Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, vol. 56(4), pages 307-323, December.

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