Technological learning, knowledge management, firm growth and performance: an introductory essay

The uncertainty, dynamism and volatility of the new competitive landscape are altering the fundamental nature of competition as the 21st century begins. In this exciting competitive era, technological learning plays a vital role in the firm's competitive success. This role is significant because increasingly, technological learning is linked to the firm's ability to develop, maintain and exploit dynamic core competencies. Dynamic core competencies are the foundation for competitive advantages. Although difficult to accomplish, firms try to establish competitive advantages that can be sustained for some period of time. Being able to develop, maintain and exploit competitive advantages is critical to the creation of firm value. This introductory article for the Special Issue explores the importance of technological learning and the management of knowledge for firm growth and performance. Additionally, we present a context that frames the issues examined and the contributions made by the papers included in the special issue. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.