Title: External knowledge: the viewpoints from SMEs on organisational life cycles

Authors: Pekka Kess, Kongkiti Phusavat, Pensuda Jaiwong

Addresses: International Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' International Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' International Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Abstract: An effective use of external knowledge can help Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) overcome many difficulties during various phases of its life cycle. The study|s overall goal is to define what external knowledge an SME needs to help strengthen business success. The interviews and surveys as well as the statistical analyses are applied. There are two different groups for SMEs when dealing with external knowledge: 1) the Idea and Growth phases; 2) the Start-up, Maturity and Decline phases. For example, SMEs at the Maturity and Decline phases need help and advice on Research and Development (R&D). The subjects on green productivity and clean technology could be specifically provided to SMEs at the Growth phase. The research|s findings provide potential benefits to several public agencies. The illustration from the viewpoint of the Department of Industrial Work (DIW) in Thailand, especially on the design of new training programmes is made.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; external knowledge; organisational life cycles; knowledge management; Thailand; training.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2009.021677

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2009 Vol.6 No.1, pp.1 - 14

Published online: 30 Nov 2008 *

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