The Knowledge Strategy of Shenzhen Innovative SMEs: A Conceptual Model

Plentiful researches on many types of SMEs' innovations such as technological innovation, product innovation, organizational innovation and process innovation etc., essentially and finally direct to knowledge innovation. If a firm's innovation actions do not result in new knowledge, its performance is of little probability to improve. The innovation obstacles of most of SMEs are knowledge ones, and those successful innovative SMEs are characterized with the stamps of learning from external and internal environments and then creating new knowledge. This thesis analyzes three Shenzhen innovative SMEs in electronics manufacturing, chemical material and costume industries by multi-case study methodology, and induces a conceptual model for SMEs' knowledge strategy. Based on the model, two substitution relationships between external sources and internal sources of knowledge, other resources and knowledge created are identified. They make it possible for Chinese SMEs to innovate with limited knowledge and resources. Finally, the characteristic of knowledge-dependence in knowledge strategy and policy implication are discussed. From the aspect of knowledge, this study provides new clue and deeper understanding on SMEs' innovation strategies in emerging economies.