Knowledge Integration for Innovation in Small Knowledge-Based Firms

In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a better understanding of the challenges of knowledge integration (KI) within the innovation process in knowledge-based SMEs. Using four case studies, we investigated how knowledge integration may be managed within the context of innovation in technology firms. Four distinct tasks emerged in the knowledge integration process, namely team building capability, capturing tacit knowledge, role of KM systems and technological systemic integration. We suggest that managing KI in knowledge-based SMEs can be best managed by focusing on these four tasks, which in turn will lead to innovation. We have placed particular focus on identifying the challenges of knowledge integration in technology firms in relation to three aspects of knowledge management activities, namely knowledge identification, knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing. We provide evidence to show a rather complex interaction of factors which are both internal and external to the firm. The four tasks of knowledge integration offer practical insights of how knowledge can be integrated within innovation process.