Knowledge and capabilities for products/services development: the UK spin-off firms context

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore and propose the skills and capabilities required in developing products and services within UK university spin-offs (USOs) by considering the model of products/services development (Verona, 1999). Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods of 20 in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey with 204 founders of USOs were used in this study. Findings The findings contribute in filling the literature gap by proposing key knowledge and capabilities required to develop products/services within the unique and non-commercial context, in which USOs are created by academics who do not necessarily have entrepreneurial or business experience. Originality/value This research contributes to studies of product/service development by proposing a modification of elements within the existing theoretical model to be applicable to the specific firm and country context, such as USOs in the UK. Further, the study extends knowledge on the interplay between knowledge management and product development. The applications of the findings are that they can inform academic entrepreneurs on the capabilities significant in the development process. They can also act as indicators to technology transfer offices in what is needed for the provision of appropriate support and training to academic founders/entrepreneurs to foster and enhance other entrepreneurial activities.

Mobile technology to give a resource-based knowledge management advantage to community health nurses in an emerging economies context

“…It is known that knowledge is a key success factor in achieving competitive advantage for an organisation (Mehralian et al , 2018; Nguyet et al , 2019). However, the skills, capabilities and competencies of employees responsible for gathering knowledge must be ascertained before investment in technologies (Baines and Smith, 2020). Hence, we explore the relationship between user (ASHAs), the ease of use and perceived usefulness of the technology to comprehend the levels of resistance to using the App .…”

“…It is noted in literature that knowledge activities disseminated in a firm are strongly affected by the skills, capabilities and competencies of employees must be ascertained (Baines and Smith, 2020). More specifically, knowledge workers in the knowledge-intensive industries such as public health service, through their professional knowledge, experience and capabilities, play a pivotal role in developing the depth of knowledge transferrable to all stake holders within a company over time (Mehralian et al, 2018).…”

“… KM can enable innovation (Papa et al, 2020).  Ascertain skills, capabilities and competencies of employees (Baines and Smith, 2020).  Knowledge is a strategic competitive asset for competitive advantage (Jha and Varkkey, 2018).…”

“…Mhealth innovations may therefore, expedite KM (including knowledge sharing and seeking) to enhance the flow of public health information about breast cancer and improve the reputation of the public health service provider. However, in order to embed facilitating KM practices, the skills, capabilities and competencies of employees must be assessed in order to develop efficient processes that produce quality products or services to meet the market's demands (Baines and Smith, 2020;Kuciapski, 2017).…”

Empowered or engaged employees? A fuzzy set analysis on knowledge transfer professionals

“…An abundant literature states that KTOs perform a prominent role in the knowledge transfer process (Bigliardi et al, 2015;Romano et al, 2014;Sellenthin, 2009;Fai et al, 2018), as they encourage and support relations between industry and university (Algieri et al, 2013;Baines and Lawton Smith, 2020;Fern andez-L opez et al, 2018;Grimpe and Hussinger, 2013). For this reason, many scholars have investigated the main drivers influencing KTOs' performance, which seems to depend on the organizational elements, among which the quantity and quality of the personnel employed (Phan and Siegel, 2006;Shane and Stuart, 2002).…”