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Knowledge management capabilities of lead firms in innovation ecosystems

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  • Chander Velu

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Knowledge management is a key capability for innovation. Prior research has typically conceptualized and examined knowledge management capabilities as a property of an individual firm or business unit. More recently, however, the locus of competition and innovation has started to shift from the individual firm to firms working together as an ecosystem. In light of these changing realities, we explicate a set of capabilities that are built, maintained, and exercised by the lead firm in order to enhance innovation within ecosystems. We highlight three knowledge management capabilities: (1) knowledge acquisition, (2) knowledge sharing, and (3) knowledge utilization. Drawing on open and closed action strategies firms use to foster team-based innovation, we develop propositions for the knowledge management capabilities of the lead firm. Our approach highlights three salient tensions that arise from team based innovation: autonomy–control, dissent–consent and uncertainty–certainty. We highlight how the three tensions need to be managed across knowledge management capabilities in order to increase the rate of innovation of the ecosystem. In doing so, we contribute to the evolving marketing literature on sensing and responding in ecosystems in order to provide customers with superior value. We discuss the implications for both managers and theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Chander Velu, 2015. "Knowledge management capabilities of lead firms in innovation ecosystems," AMS Review, Springer;Academy of Marketing Science, vol. 5(3), pages 123-141, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:amsrev:v:5:y:2015:i:3:d:10.1007_s13162-015-0068-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s13162-015-0068-6
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