Title: Dynamic capabilities and the evolution of knowledge management projects in SMEs

Authors: Roberto Filippini; Wolfgang H. Güttel; Anna Nosella

Addresses: Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padua, Str. San Nicola 3, 36100, Vicenza, Italy. ' Institute of Human Resource and Change Management, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, Austria; Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padua, Str. San Nicola 3, 36100, Vicenza, Italy. ' Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padua, Str. San Nicola 3, 36100, Vicenza, Italy

Abstract: This paper investigates the development path of four knowledge management (KM) projects in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lead to the emergence of dynamic capabilities. First, we empirically show how KM projects create a learning context in which KM routines emerge that function as dynamic capabilities for adaption, absorption, or innovation to enable SMEs to remain competitive in a dynamic environment. In particular, KM projects aiming at adaption and absorption (efficiency, transfer of knowledge and experience) achieve sufficient results for obtaining enough resources and attention for a further development. Once the structure of the KM routine is established, the content migrates towards innovation. Second, we also provide an in-depth description of the evolutionary learning path from establishment to routinisation of KM projects winding up as dynamic capabilities.

Keywords: knowledge management; KM; dynamic capabilities; organisational learning; learning paths; capability evolution; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; learning contexts; adaption; absorption; competitiveness; dynamic environments; efficiency; knowledge transfer; experience; content migration; evolutionary learning; routinisation; routines; technology management; continuous innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2012.049431

International Journal of Technology Management, 2012 Vol.60 No.3/4, pp.202 - 220

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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