Abstract

PurposeDespite the increasing studies concerning external knowledge for innovative firms or for innovations, little research demonstrates as what are those capabilities that enable firms to explore and assess high-valuable knowledge. The aim of this study is to examine those capabilities that aid innovative firms to search and identify the potential knowledge for open innovation. This study is an empirical and theoretical examination of knowledge search and identification capabilities of the UK-based biotechnology firms. The literature has been drawn from the research streams into knowledge management, open innovation and dynamic capabilities.Design/methodology/approachForty-five semi-structured interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers were completed, and thematic analysis using NVivo 12 was performed.FindingsEvidence from 45 interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers in the UK-based biotechnology firms and thematic analysis was used to develop a process framework capturing the key capabilities. By identifying the role and contribution of each of the capabilities in knowledge identification in the practices of open innovation, this study contributes to open innovation and knowledge management literature.Practical implicationsManagerial implications suggest knowledge-oriented leads greatly influence the development of identification capabilities. Hence, firms with knowledge-oriented leads are better crafted approaches to achieve competitive advantages in the practices of open innovation.Originality/valueThis study offers a new theoretical perspective and empirical evidence to view knowledge identification capabilities as the dynamic capabilities. This study offers a process framework of identification capabilities.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.