WHAT'S SMALL SIZE GOT TO DO WITH IT? PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL ASSETS IN SMEs

Heidi Olander (), Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen () and Jukka Mähönen ()
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Heidi Olander: Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business, PO Box 20, F1-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland
Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen: Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business, PO Box 20, F1-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland;
Jukka Mähönen: University of Turku, Faculty of Law, PO Box 1, F1-20014, University of Turku, Finland

International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), 2009, vol. 13, issue 03, 349-370

Abstract: The knowledge protection/sharing dilemma related to innovation activities is becoming known to all firms, even though it is generally more notable for SMEs: the small size of the firms inherently creates a need for inter-organizational collaboration, but it also makes dealing with the related contradictories more challenging. One factor behind this is that the needed tools — such as the protection mechanisms of intellectual assets — may be more limited. In line with this notion, we examine the protection available for and used by small firms in their innovation activities. We approach the issue by conducting a review on the relevant literature, and use a qualitative multiple case study conducted in eight small companies to empirically study the issue. Departing from prior research, we consider protection of innovations by distinguishing between the intangibles needed in innovation activities and the actual innovation outputs, and combine these considerations to the knowledge protection/sharing dilemma.

Keywords: Intellectual property; SME; innovation; protection strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1142/S1363919609002339

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