Capturing Value through Knowledge and Innovation Management: Comparisons across the Manufacturing and Services Sectors

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which knowledge management (KM) and innovation management (IM) practices differ across the manufacturing and services sectors. An extensive review of the literature was conducted, followed by the application of a theoretical model and quantitative analysis of a comprehensive survey of 1141 Australian managers. Results yielded both similarities and differences between innovation practices across the two sectors. In terms of KM and IM practices across the areas of a) customer focus, b) knowledge and technology, and c) management of innovation processes, significant predictors of IP were similar for knowledge and technology across the two sectors. However, differences were noted with regard to customer focus and open innovation, where a broader range of significant predictors of IP were found in the services sector.