Experience-based know-how, learning and innovation in German SMEs: An explorative analysis of the role of know-how in different modes of innovation

Arbeitspapier

The 'doing-using-interacting mode' of innovation (DUI) is considered an important component of innovative activity. It describes informal innovative activities and complements the 'science-technology-innovation mode' (STI) which is based on research and development. A common demarcation criterion between both modes of innovation is the relevance of experiencebased knowledge, know-how and know-who for the DUI mode of innovation whereas the STI mode of innovation is said to rely on codified knowledge, know-what and know-why. Based upon 81 in-depth interviews with German SMEs and regional innovation consultants, this work focuses on the role of experience-based know-how for SMEs innovations within different modes of innovation. Experience-based know-how is found to be important for all modes of innovation, regardless of an SMEs mode of innovation. Results from qualitative interviews show that firms view experience-based know-how as important for at least one of the following domains: product innovation, business process innovation & organizational routines and customer knowledge. However, the acquisition, transfer and transformation of experience-based know-how can strongly differ, depending on the respective mode of innovation. As a recommendation, the idea that know-how is a suitable demarcation criterion for modes of innovation should be revised in future research.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ifh Working Paper ; No. 27/2020

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights: General ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; General Regional Economics (includes Regional Data)
• Subject: DUI ; STI ; tacit knowledge ; experience-based knowledge ; learning processes ; modes of innovation

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Alhusen, Harm
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh)
• (where): Göttingen
• (when): 2020

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/224904
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET