German Hidden Champions: competitive strategies, knowledge management and innovation in globally leading niche players

Christian Rammer and Alfred Spielkamp
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Alfred Spielkamp: Westphalian University of Applied Sciences

EKONOMIAZ. Revista vasca de Economía, 2019, vol. 95, issue 01, 65-87

Abstract: Hidden Champions (HCs) are firms unknown to the wider public, but global leaders in the niche markets they serve. This paper looks at distinctive features of these firms, focusing on competitive strategies, knowledge management and innovation. Employing a unique data base on German firms, we identify a representative sample of German HCs and examine differences to other firms using a matching technique. We find that HCs’ competitive strategy rests on technology leadership and customisation. HCs are more open in their knowledge management, but without compromising control over the new product development process. HCs do not invest more into innovation, but achieve higher innovation success. The higher efficiency can be linked to their superior technological capabilities and to higher investment in human capital and HR management practices that mobilise the creative potential of their employees.

Keywords: German Hidden Champions; competitive strategy; knowledge management; innovation; dynamic firm capabilities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D21 L10 L22 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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