The European Challenge of KM and Innovation

Abstract

Globalization, bringing about universal and dynamic transformations in every sector of the economy, is placing organizations everywhere in new and different competitive situations. In this context, the improvement of enterprise performance and economic growth makes increased demands for timely knowledge in the workplace to deliver competitive, knowledge-intensive work, enabling institutions and nations to maintain their vitality through economic growth and increased productivity. This chapter highlights the European strategy towards a knowledge-based society where innovation and competitiveness are the goals to be achieved. The Portuguese scenario concerning small and medium enterprises and the creation of a Portuguese knowledge and information economy are also described. Some approaches to knowledge management (KM), contributing to understanding the scope of this emergent domain, are introduced. The skills and competencies that a knowledge manager should develop in order to perform his/her job are discussed. The chapter concludes by mapping the main areas of study and practice that the authors consider as relevant to performing an effective knowledge management function.

Is knowledge management a missing link? Linking entrepreneurial competencies and sustainable performance of manufacturing SMEs

“…Entrepreneurs who possess ECs are often imaginative and creative, producing new ideas and information within the organization. They should also be able to manage organizational knowledge assets effectively, resulting in greater productivity, quality and innovation (Correia and Sarmento, 2004; Latif et al , 2020). Therefore, organizations should prioritize human resource management, business operations and management development while emphasizing knowledge strategy implementation and understanding the KM process (Correia and Sarmento, 2004).…”

“…They should also be able to manage organizational knowledge assets effectively, resulting in greater productivity, quality and innovation (Correia and Sarmento, 2004; Latif et al , 2020). Therefore, organizations should prioritize human resource management, business operations and management development while emphasizing knowledge strategy implementation and understanding the KM process (Correia and Sarmento, 2004). Furthermore, providing training opportunities for employees improves their KM skills and develops a knowledge-sharing culture throughout the organization (Zack, 2002).…”