Collaboration capability – a focal concept in knowledge creation and collaborative innovation in networks Online publication date: Wed, 03-May-2006
by Kirsimarja Blomqvist, Juha Levy
International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy (IJMCP), Vol. 2, No. 1, 2006
Abstract: Sustainable competitive advantage is not possible in knowledge-based competition without continuous innovation. Innovations, by nature, emerge in social interaction in which diverse actors share complementary knowledge. Collaboration capability is considered a prerequisite for actors if they wish to leverage such knowledge. The concept is analysed through a state-of-the-art review of earlier conceptual and empirical research on network collaboration, and as a result we propose that collaboration capability integrates the key elements in many closely related but semantically diverse conceptualisations. As a concept, it underlines the relational perspective and enables knowledge creation in a risky and uncertain environment. It can be defined as 'the actor's capability to build and manage network relationships based on mutual trust, communication and commitment'. Furthermore, it could be considered an integrative and cross-level concept explaining much of the knowledge creation and innovation in networks.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy (IJMCP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook