Innovation and co-creation in knowledge intensive business services: the Spinner model

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the propensity for innovation and co-creation in service companies in receipt of knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) type services through their intensive incorporation of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve this study objective, the authors first carried out a literature review in order to specify the scope of the construct; second, the authors applied a survey based on the “Spinner model”; third, the authors undertook research on KIBS clients and restricted the results to this population sample; and fourth, based on the validated and applied models deriving from the base construct, the authors presented the results obtained. Findings This concludes that the “Spinner” model is valid for explaining the propensity for innovation and co-creation in companies receiving KIBS. The results demonstrate evidence of innovation processes as a result of the intensive application of knowledge associated with co-creation and knowledge transfers. Research limitations/implications This provides managers with a better understanding of the barriers that may obstruct the implementation of co-creation and knowledge transfers. Hence, the variables analysed may guide managers in defining and planning innovation strategies. Furthermore, this enables each company receiving such services to validate them and establish indices for the innovation propensity of specialist (knowledge intensive) service providers within the framework of benchmarking exercises. Originality/value This study sets out a new means of analysing the propensity for innovation and the co-creation of knowledge by companies making recourse to knowledge intensive services. From the theoretical point of view, this defines a new construct and a means of classification for companies supplying services designed for their propensity for innovation and co-creation. From the practical perspective, this study provides the companies subject to research with the opportunity to perceive their respective position in relation to other companies. In addition to this, ranking companies in such a way may drive the need to develop new knowledge for future co-creation and innovation processes.

The spinner innovation model: understanding the knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and innovation process in SMEs

“…This study sought to empirically research how the characteristics of SMEs may influence the creation and transfer of knowledge and innovation in conjunction with recourse to private and public KM through applying the SIM (Figueiredo and de Matos Ferreira, 2020; Figueiredo et al , 2019). In addition to helping better understand the interactions between professional intelligence and technology, this model enables the acceleration of processes designed to change mindsets and bring about organisational transformation.…”

“…The SIM incorporates a perspective of companies as promoters of interactions with the sector that provides knowledge-intensive services, within the scope of processes for the creation of new knowledge, knowledge transfers and innovation (Figueiredo and de Matos Ferreira, 2020; Figueiredo et al , 2019). These interactions are undertaken through public knowledge (external environment) and private knowledge (internal environment) and seek to deliver knowledge-intensive solutions based on professional and/or technological intelligence and for developing dynamics of agility, changes in mindsets and organisational transformation for SMEs (Figure 1).…”

“…The application of the SIM model focuses on the relationships ongoing between three variables defined for these processes, knowledge creation, transfer of knowledge and innovation, supported by the interactions ongoing between the internal and external environments of the company. This enables the acceleration of processes designed to change mindsets and bring about organisational transformation in addition to helping better understand the interactions between professional intelligence and technology (Figueiredo et al , 2019).…”

“…SIM has gradually received growing attention in the scientific literature (e.g Figueiredo and de Matos Ferreira, 2020; Figueiredo et al , 2019), making recourse to approaches involving machine learning and applied econometrics in large business consultancy firms. These studies have indicated the need to develop applications in smaller-scale firms (SMEs) deploying new and open approaches to public and private knowledge.…”

Applications of Blockchain Technology to Higher Education Arena: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Therefore, the question arises: How blockchain technology is been applied in higher education? This study uses essentially bibliometric analysis to identify opportunities for future investigations and research in the field of digital services for higher education [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”