Title: Restructuring European aeronautics SMEs: the role of formal examination knowledge

Authors: Rudiger Wink

Addresses: Hochschule fur Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur – HTWK Leipzig, P.O. Box 301166, 04251 Leipzig, Germany

Abstract: This paper deals with the special role of knowledge examination within a knowledge production value chain. Any generated knowledge has to be examined to achieve diffusion and commercialisation. The methods of examination, however, vary. Within aeronautics, original equipment manufacturers executed for a long time the function as knowledge examiners, while the further diffusion was mainly based on trust and social proximities. With global sourcing and the rising importance of system suppliers as integrators of new knowledge, examination has to be more formalised posing new challenges to incumbent SMEs. The paper investigates these challenges and consequences for the aeronautics value chain.

Keywords: knowledge value chain; examination knowledge; knowledge formalisation; knowledge management; Europe; aerospace industry; aeronautics SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2010.032683

International Journal of Technology Management, 2010 Vol.50 No.3/4, pp.380 - 392

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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