Collaboration for innovation in small KIBS companies: Implications for knowledge management

The development and introduction of innovations in small KIBS (Knowledge Intensive Business Services) companies raises significant challenges in terms of knowledge management (KM). In the case of small KIBS, especially due to the lack of resources and managerial attitudes. KIBS companies may need to engage in knowledge exchanges with other business partners for the development of common projects, which, in turn, brings up specific KM issues. The paper explores the special KM problems emerging in the management of knowledge exchanges between two small KIBS companies collaborating for the development of a service innovation for the HORECA (Hotel-Restaurant-Catering) sector that consists of an online platform for clients. The case shows that, on the one hand, it was not possible, for the company, to develop all the knowledge that was necessary for delivering the service (especially, the company lacked technical competencies). On the other hand, it was difficult to simply acquire this knowledge "on the market". Eventually, a joint venture was established with another small KIBS provider of online services. The basic idea was to integrate and exploit the different specializations and complementary knowledge of the two companies, for a common business goal. But, as the case shows, this operation of joining and integrating different pieces of knowledge possessed by the two distinct companies is all but easy, and it requires proper conditions that may be hard to find in real situations. The study thus gives useful lessons for KM research and business management of small KIBS companies.