Building Dynamic Capabilities in Product Development: The Role of Knowledge Management

Abstract

This paper contributes to the clarification of the connections between knowledge management and dynamic capabilities in the context of product development to see how they explain product development competences. Building on the knowledge management and dynamic capabilities literatures, the paper argues that the social side of knowledge management has a role to play as enabler of dynamic capabilities in the context of product development. Further, dynamic capabilities shape product development competences. Empirical evidence is provided by performing survey research with data collected from 80 product development projects developed in Spain. The paper includes conclusions, limitations and future research potentials for those with an interest in supporting dynamic capabilities.

Keywords: Product development, dynamic capabilities, knowledge management, product development competences, organizational knowledge