The Knowledge Economy and Open Innovation: Evidence from Pakistan
Abstract
In the era of industrialization, the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is more crucial to boost the economy of every nation. Particularly, in line with developed nations, SMEs has also key importance for developing nations like Pakistan. However, the SME’s performance in open innovation (OI) is not reached the satisfactory position in Pakistan. That is the reason, the Pakistani SMEs are not achieved the higher performance. In response to this issue, the objective of this study is to investigate the role of maximization of internal innovation and external knowledge incorporation to increase the firm’s OI performance. Furthermore, the moderating role of knowledge management is also observed. Managerial staff of SMEs was preferred to get response. After evaluating the data by using Smart PLS 3, it was found that maximization of internal innovation; external knowledge incorporation and knowledge management is the key contributor to enhance OI. Additionally, knowledge management is one of the moderating factors which enhance the positive effect of internal innovation and knowledge management on OI. Thus, the study is significant for SMEs and practitioners to enhance OI performance in SMEs.
Authors
Muhammad Farhan Basheer
PhD Candidate, School of Economics, Banking and Finance, University of Utara Malaysia
Muhammad Atif Nawaz
Lecturer, Department of Economics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Tahira Afridi
Assistant Professor, Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Keywords
SMEs, Internal Innovation, External Knowledge, Knowledge Management, Open Innovation