Innovation and external knowledge sources in knowledge intensive business services (KIBS): evidence from de-industrialized UK regions

Article

Savic, M., Lawton Smith, H. and Bournakis, I. 2020. Innovation and external knowledge sources in knowledge intensive business services (KIBS): evidence from de-industrialized UK regions. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. 32 (9-10), pp. 805-826. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2020.1789751
TypeArticle
TitleInnovation and external knowledge sources in knowledge intensive business services (KIBS): evidence from de-industrialized UK regions
AuthorsSavic, M., Lawton Smith, H. and Bournakis, I.
Abstract

This paper explores the effect of external knowledge sources and the uneven geography on innovation activity in small Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). It draws on results from a survey of 342 small and medium (SME) KIBS located in the UK’s North East and West Midlands, both de-industrialised regions. It is shown that innovation is supported by knowledge gained from frequent interaction with customers both regional and UK based as well as international. More frequent interaction with local business networks, informal contacts and national licensing arrangements also enhances innovativeness. Various industry-specific business networks and regional government agencies act as important sources of knowledge and networking and these are more important for KIBS located in the North East. The results indicate that more frequent collaboration with regional universities and regional public sector organisations does not benefit KIBS from either region. Also, while we acknowledge a positive effect of R&D on KIBS innovativeness we argue that its effect is less important compared to regional and extra regional knowledge sources.

KeywordsEconomics and econometrics, business and international management, KIBS; innovation; external knowledge; knowledge networks; de-industrialised regions; R&D; policy
PublisherTaylor & Francis (Routledge)
JournalEntrepreneurship and Regional Development
ISSN0898-5626
Electronic1464-5114
Publication dates
Online07 Jul 2020
Print19 Oct 2020
Publication process dates
Deposited01 Jul 2020
Accepted26 Jun 2020
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Copyright Statement

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Entrepreneurship & Regional Development on 07 Jul 2020, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/08985626.2020.1789751

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2020.1789751
LanguageEnglish
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