Title: Knowledge dynamics and innovation: case studies in a sparsely populated area

Authors: Harri Jokela; Eija-Riitta Niinikoski; Matti Muhos

Addresses: Entrepreneurship Research Group, Oulu Southern Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland ' Entrepreneurship Research Group, Oulu Southern Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland ' Entrepreneurship Research Group, Oulu Southern Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland

Abstract: This study describes the sources of essential knowledge and analyses the knowledge dynamics in innovation cases of four micro-sized companies. This study seeks to answer the following questions: What are the sources of essential knowledge for the cases selected? What kind of knowledge is required, and what phases can be identified? What kind of features of knowledge anchoring can be identified in the innovation processes? This study will serve as an interesting benchmarking object for public business services. The findings suggest that public actors should pay more attention to the case-specific needs of innovative micro-sized companies while developing their services.

Keywords: knowledge dynamics; knowledge biography; knowledge anchoring; innovation; learning; micro-sized firms; micro enterprises; growth; Finland; case studies; sparsely populated areas; public services; business services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2015.067410

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2015 Vol.17 No.2, pp.234 - 253

Published online: 17 Apr 2015 *

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