What Facilitates External Knowledge Utilisation in SMEs? – An Optimal Configuration Between Openness Intensity and Organisational Moderators

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationships between open innovation (OI) climate and OI activities by investigating the changing moderating effects of organisational facilitators in small innovative firms. Our partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis suggests (1) OI-friendly climate promotes OI activities, (2) this process is further facilitated by various organisational efforts, but (3) the efforts firms must put in are proportional to the level of openness intensity. The findings also suggest that systematic knowledge management is the most basic facilitator, while entrepreneurial orientation is generally under-performed despite its high importance. This study provides implications for managers and policy makers who lead OI adoption and implementation.

Keywords: open innovation; organisational moderators; SMEs; PLS-SEM

JEL Classification: O30, L10, L60