Knowledge Ecosystems, Universities, and Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Establishing a Knowledge Infrastructure Governance Theoretical Framework and Conditions for Success

Scholars underscore the advantages of knowledge ecosystems, where local universities play a central role in advancing innovation within the system. Nonetheless, to date, no research has elucidated what knowledge ecosystems factors drive innovation success in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Further, the elements modelling effective SME and university relationships and knowledge infrastructure governance are still a blur. Utilizing the meta-synthesis approach, this study provides a thematic review of existing evidence relating to knowledge ecosystems, university-firm collaboration, and innovation success in SMEs. An SME innovation and knowledge infrastructure governance framework, including 16 factors classified under 3 actor layers (SME [knowledge & learning processes], embedded university, and integrated knowledge community), was obtained. The framework, coupled with activity examples, will allow universities, SMEs, policy-makers, and scholars to obtain a clearer understanding of how to leverage university–firm collaborations to create successful knowledge communities fostering innovation success in SMEs. Further research could explore and provide criteria and measures to assess the impact and direction of the relationships and governance factors outlined in the framework.