Purpose-Through the lens of the open innovation model and knowledge-based view (KBV), the present research seeks to investigate three key factors (i.e. cognitive dimensions, the knowledgedriven approach and absorptive capacity) that are likely to determine the preference for informal inbound OI modes. The innovation literature has differentiated these collaborations into informal inbound open innovation (OI) entry modes and formal inbound OI modes, offering an advocative and conceptual view. However, empirical studies on these collaborations are still limited. Design/methodology/approach-Building on the above theoretical framework, the empirical research was performed in two stages. First, data were collected via a closed-ended questionnaire distributed to all the participants from the sample by e-mail. Secondly, to assess the hypotheses structural equation modelling (SEM) via IBM® SPSS® Amos 20 was applied. Findings-The empirical research was conducted on 175 small to medium enterprises in the United Kingdom, suggesting that the knowledge-driven approach is the strongest determinant leading to a preference for informal inbound OI modes. The findings were obtained using structural equation modelling (SEM) and are discussed in line with the theoretical framework. Research limitations/implications-Due to the chosen context and sector of the empirical analysis, the research results may lack generalisability. Hence, new studies are proposed. Practical implications-The paper includes implications for the development of informal inbound open innovation led by knowledge-driven approach. Originality/value-This paper offers an empirical research to investigate knowledge-driven preferences in informal inbound open innovation modes.

The literature suggests that increasing investments in information and communication technologies (ICTs), knowledge exchange and sharing help SMEs tackle the current global and dynamic environment. Given that much of the useful knowledge resides outside the enterprises’ boundaries, these technological tools foster the gathering of big data and information. Despite these premises, few studies have considered the role of ICTs and big data in intra‐ and inter‐organizational ties and the consequent effects on enterprises’ innovation performance. The paper investigates whether ICTs oriented to intra‐organizational (in‐house research and development [R&D]) and inter‐organizational (open innovation) processes improve SMEs’ innovation performance. Therefore, via structural equation modelling (SEM), the study analyses a sample of 239 knowledge‐intensive SMEs located in Italy. The noteworthy results are that ICTs oriented to intra‐ and inter‐organizational innovation processes improve both these processes in generating new products and/or services. On this basis, managerial and academic implications are provided, along with avenues for further research.

The combination of knowledge and innovation has become a cornerstone among knowledge and labour intensive enterprises. A growing number of enterprises are defined as knowledge intensive entrepreneurship ventures that have been widely studied in relation to their ecosystem. However only few research have addressed this phenomenon to enterprises digital ecosystem by adopting mainly a qualitatively approach. We point out that the relevance of the digital ecosystem focusing on the role of social networking sites in relationship to innovation and knowledge. The use of social networking sites can provide a wealth of information about individuals and their networks, which can be utilised for various business purposes. It enables enterprises to create online communities and share user-created content. Within this context, enterprises actively interact with external actors such as customers, public institutions, and other businesses to acquire and absorb external knowledge, and then generate innovation. To gain insights from the global economy, 215 small to medium enterprises from different sets of global enterprises, both knowledgeintensive (e.g. management consulting, marketing and advertising, ICT and related services, legal and technical services) and labour-intensive (such as high tech and electronics, food and beverage, and consumer durables), were analysed. Via the Partial Least Square-Path Modelling the relationships between social networking sites, absorptive capacity, and innovation performance were measured. Therefore, recommendations are proffered as to what small-medium enterprises should do in order to enhance their innovativeness. The research ends with conclusions and implications to both scholars and practitioners.

This article discusses microlevel actions undertaken by owner-managers, and how such actions affect stakeholders in enhancing the sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the knowledge on which is lacking in the extant literature. The paper, by adopting an inductive analytical approach, draws key insights from the literature on microfoundations and sustainability and evidence from representatives of 5 Cultural and Creative Industry SMEs in Italy and of 5 in the United Kingdom. The findings suggest that owner-managers play a crucial role when engaging in sustainability activities jointly with employees and other stakeholders, through which individual-level actions enhance collective organizational-level sustainability practices. The U.K.and Italian cases highlight 2 contrasting approaches to dealing with sustainability; thus, the paper contributes to the emerging literature on SME microfoundations and sustainability.