Title: Knowledge integration within innovation process: a technopreneurial perspective

Authors: Kavoos Mohannak; Judy Matthews

Addresses: School of Management, QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia ' School of Management, QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia

Abstract: Knowledge integration (KI) is one of the major aspects driving innovation within an organisation. In this paper, we attempt to develop a better understanding of responses to the challenges of knowledge integration within the innovation process in technology-based firms. Using four technology-based Australian firms, we investigated how knowledge integration may be managed within the context of innovation in technology firms. Previous research highlights the role of four KI tasks that affect the innovation capability within technology-oriented firms, namely team building capability, capturing tacit knowledge, role of knowledge management (KM) systems and technological systemic integration. Our findings indicate that in addition to these four tasks, a strategic approach to integrating knowledge for innovation, as well as leadership and management, are essential to achieving effective KI across multiple levels of engagement. Our findings also offer practical insights into how knowledge can be integrated within innovation process, with specific implications for managers.

Keywords: knowledge integration; technology-based firms; tacit knowledge; technopreneurship; innovation process; technoentrepreneurship; Australia; team building; knowledge management; technological integration; systemic integration; strategic management; leadership.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2015.067088

International Journal of Technoentrepreneurship, 2015 Vol.3 No.1, pp.17 - 36

Received: 27 Jul 2013
Accepted: 20 May 2014

Published online: 26 Jan 2015 *

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