Title: Knowledge management processes and innovation: an empirical analysis of firms in software cluster

Authors: Xiaoke Wei, Fenghua Xie

Addresses: School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. ' School of Business, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan Province, China

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of knowledge management processes on innovation of firms in Hangzhou software cluster. The perspective of this study suggests that knowledge process architecture of knowledge acquisition, integration, exploitation and protection are essential capabilities for effective organisational innovation. Through analysis of surveys collected from 205 senior executives, this research empirically models and uncovers key aspects of these dimensions. The results show that knowledge management process is a second-order construct, it has significant impact on innovation performance. This implies that the knowledge spillover, integration, sharing and protection could improve innovation performance of the software cluster. This paper concludes with a discussion and limitations of the research.

Keywords: knowledge management process; innovation; software clusters; industry clusters; China; knowledge acquisition; knowledge exploitation; knowledge protection; knowledge spillover; knowledge integration; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2008.018200

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2008 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.25 - 42

Published online: 11 May 2008 *

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