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An Exploratory Study Linking Intellectual Capital and Technology Management towards Innovative Performance in KIBS

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  • Elena Dinu

    (Faculty of Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), 30A Expozitiei Blvd., 012104 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu

    (Faculty of Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), 30A Expozitiei Blvd., 012104 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Roxana-Maria Stăneiu

    (Doctoral School in Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), 30A Expozitiei Blvd., 012104 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mihaela Rusu

    (College of Communication and Public Relations, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), 30A Expozitiei Blvd., 012104 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This study aims to fill a gap in the sparse literature that empirically investigates the relationships between intellectual capital (IC), technology management, and innovative performance in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). Semi-structured interviews with middle and senior managers from KIBS have been conducted with the purpose of exploring the various strategies, policies, and practices in managing the organisational intellectual capital and technology to enhance innovation performance. Several themes related to the development of intellectual capital in KIBS have been analysed (i.e., key dimensions of human, structural, and relational capital). The findings show that all KIBS investigated place importance on either recruiting the most qualified staff or building up their competencies and skills. Moreover, KIBS allot sizable resources for creating an organisational culture that encourages employee empowerment and knowledge sharing. Technology-forward KIBS have strategies for developing dynamic technological capabilities for knowledge management, business process flexibility and efficiency, and sustaining innovation. The unfolded investigation has both theoretical and managerial implications, pointing to the noteworthiness of sustainable and strategic approaches of intellectual capital management on purpose to support innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Dinu & Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu & Roxana-Maria Stăneiu & Mihaela Rusu, 2023. "An Exploratory Study Linking Intellectual Capital and Technology Management towards Innovative Performance in KIBS," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:1356-:d:1031755
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jerdea Loredana, 2023. "A Bibliometric Analysis of four Constructs Interconnections: Innovation, Competitive Advantage, Agility and Performance," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 1213-1226, July.
    2. Mohammad Daradkeh, 2023. "Exploring the Curvilinear Relationship between Academic-Industry Collaboration Environment and Innovation Performance: A Multilevel Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.

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