Intra‐cluster Knowledge Exchange and Frequency of Product Innovation in a Digital Cluster. (15th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taura, Nasiru; Radicic, Dragana
• Is Part Of: Journal of small business management. Volume 57(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 350
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2018-10-15
• Subjects: Small business -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.022
• DOI: 10.1111/jsbm.12479
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2778

Abstract

Abstract : We investigate how intra‐cluster knowledge exchange affects the frequency of product innovation. Based on self‐administered survey data of digital SMEs from the Bournemouth and Poole regions of England, this study shows that digital firms that sustain both temporary and prolonged relationships with outbound employees have a higher probability of introducing frequent product innovation. Moreover, while cognitive proximity and the use of external knowledge providers increase the probability of frequent product innovation, geographical proximity reduces it. Our findings suggest that managers of young digital firms with limited resources in peripheral regions should 'act near' before reaching out.