Title: KIBS' key dimensions: a qualitative study on innovation, knowledge, networks, location and internationalisation

Authors: Alexandra Maria Braga; Carla Susana Marques; Zélia Maria Serrasqueiro

Addresses: School of Management and Technology, Polytechnic of Porto and CIICESI Research Unit, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal; CETRAD Research Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal ' Department of Economics, Sociology and Management & CETRAD Research Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal ' Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; CEFAGE Research Unit, University of Évora, Palácio do Vimioso, Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal

Abstract: This paper aims to encourage the discussion as well as to promote a better understanding of the relationships between the key dimensions in the Portuguese knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) (namely, innovation, knowledge, networks, location, and internationalisation). The motivation for this research is based on the objective to reach a deeper understanding of the relationships between KIBS and other firms, especially with their clients, analysing the effects on innovation and internationalisation processes, taking into account knowledge, networks and location. The current study follows a qualitative methodology approach, applying semi-structured interviews to chief executive officers (CEOs) of the Portuguese KIBS firms and specialised academics on KIBS and innovation. The results suggest that KIBS play an important role in transferring knowledge, thus contributing, in different forms, to the processes of firms' innovation and internationalisation. The obtained results are important for firms involved in networks regarding technology as well as the creation of new products/services or new markets.

Keywords: innovation; knowledge; internationalisation; location; networks; knowledge-intensive business services; KIBS; cooperation; competitiveness; semi-structured interviews; qualitative analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2017.087060

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2017 Vol.32 No.3, pp.364 - 385

Received: 20 Dec 2016
Accepted: 18 Jan 2017
Published online: 05 Oct 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article