Over the hedge: hidden networks in knowledge transfer

Richard Bent, Claire Seaman, Rita Welsh and Mike Pretious

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2012, vol. 9, issue 4, 359-371

Abstract: This paper develops the Edinburgh knowledge hedge (Bent et al., 2010) to introduce the largely hidden role formal and informal networks in the process of linking SMEs and business support agencies, presenting a model to assist in identifying remaining barriers to knowledge exchange. The model is applied to a detailed case study of primary business support experience, laying the foundation for practical and theoretical developments. It is proposed that the model will provide a basis for future qualitative research in this area. A conceptual framework is developed to capture the complexity of knowledge exchange between SMEs and business support agencies and providers. Within the case study SME owners and business advisors identify areas not resolved by formal/informal networks, aiding the development of case specific strategies to get both parties 'over the hedge'.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; business support; Edinburgh knowledge hedge; knowledge exchange; small business; informal networks; formal networks; Scotland; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; qualitative research. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=50904 (text/html)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijbglo:v:9:y:2012:i:4:p:359-371

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in International Journal of Business and Globalisation from Inderscience Enterprises Ltd
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sarah Parker ().