Knowledge managing and knowledge management systems in inter‐organizational networks

Abstract

AbstractIt is argued that the basic economic resource in the new economy is knowledge. An important source for competitive advantage in this economy is organizations' networks of external relationships. It is also argued that information and communication technologies (ICT) and Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) can play an important role in knowledge‐intensive processes and flows. This paper presents a conceptualization of strategic knowledge managing within the context of inter‐organizational networks. The conceptualization is based on the resource‐based, dynamic capability, and absorptive capability views as well as ideas from the ‘gift economy’. Three types of inter‐organizational networks for strategic knowledge managing are defined: (1) extra‐networks; (2) inter‐networks; and (3) open networks. The paper discusses knowledge managing in the three network types and illustrates how ICT and KMS can be used to enable and enhance knowledge managing in inter‐organizational networks—the core business process used for illustration is new product development. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.