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Knowledge absorption and innovation in UK SMEs: A study by economic sector and place

Author

Listed:
  • Shaw, Gareth

    (University of Exeter Business School (Exeter, Devon))

  • F Murphy, David

    (Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership, University of Cumbria (Lancaster, Lancashire))

  • Marshall, Alison

    (Institute of Health, University of Cumbria (Carlisle, Cumbria))

  • Rosiello, Alessandro

    (University of Edinburgh Business School (Edinburgh, Scotland))

  • Sena, Vania

    (Sheffield University Management School (Sheffield, Yorkshire))

  • Li, Junxiong

    (University for the Creative Arts (London))

Abstract

This study focusses on knowledge absorption in SMEs and their abilities to develop innovations. It does so by examining SMEs in three different economic sectors, namely, manufacturing, high-tech and services. In doing so it provides one of the first comparative studies of SMEs within these different sectors. It also examines variations by place and compares the performance of SMEs across four distinct places within the UK. The research is based around both a quantitative analysis of firm performances followed by a detailed in-depth qualitative study. Our results focussed on the stages of knowledge transfer from acquisition, assimilation, through to the transformation and exploitation of knowledge. The findings draw attention to the significance. of management practices within SMEs and recognised the importance of open innovation. The study indicates that place alone does not play a key role, compared with the industry sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaw, Gareth & F Murphy, David & Marshall, Alison & Rosiello, Alessandro & Sena, Vania & Li, Junxiong, 2024. "Knowledge absorption and innovation in UK SMEs: A study by economic sector and place," Small Business International Review, Asociación Española de Contabilidad y Administración de Empresas - AECA, vol. 8(2), pages 626-626, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aaz:sbir01:v:8:y:2024:i:2:p:e626
    DOI: 10.26784/sbir.v8i2.626
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thomas, Rhodri & Wood, Emma, 2014. "Innovation in tourism: Re-conceptualising and measuring the absorptive capacity of the hotel sector," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 39-48.
    2. San-Martín, Paula & Fernandez-Laviada, Ana & Pérez, Andrea, 2020. "La importancia de la educación empresarial y su terminología," Small Business International Review, Asociación Española de Contabilidad y Administración de Empresas - AECA, vol. 4(1), pages 69-87, January.
    3. Henry Kaiser, 1970. "A second generation little jiffy," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 35(4), pages 401-415, December.
    4. Stephanie Robson & Martin Kenchatt, 2010. "First findings from the UK Innovation Survey 2009," Economic & Labour Market Review, Palgrave Macmillan;Office for National Statistics, vol. 4(3), pages 28-35, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SMEs; knowledge management; innovation; absorptive capacity; place;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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