Knowledge Management- Volume 1

An increased focus on information, knowledge and organisational learning, has provided us with a deeper understanding of factors and processes conducive to innovation and eventually to sustainable competitive advantages. However, little attention has been given to social mechanisms triggering innovations. The purpose of this book is to uncover processes and the corresponding social mechanisms promoting innovation in organisations. It is the integration of organisational learning, the internal knowledge base of the company and its external knowledge base, viewed in relation to innovations in organisations, which are the main elements discussed in this book. The purpose of this book is also to contribute to a perspective on economic performance; i.e. the interaction between norms specific to a company, the knowledge basis of the company and innovation. The questions we will try to shed light on in this book are: What is the connection between norms specific to the company, the knowledge basis of the company and innovation? We will argue that norms specific to the company, knowledge development and innovation strategies are closely linked, in order to promote competitive advantages at the company level. We will present and discuss a model in this connection. At the end of the book we will integrate this model and develop policy implications. We will see norms specific to the company in the light of social autopoiesis theory. It is this theory which will be used when evaluating the importance of knowledge development and innovation. The main thesis in the book is that a company's capabilities are primarily developed on the basis of social norms and values already existing in the social relations of the company. This in turn influences how the company develops and applies the knowledge basis, thus influencing innovation strategies.