The role of tacit knowledge in connecting knowledge exchange and combination with innovation

Abstract

Using the Resource-Based View, this paper aims to provide a better understanding of the effect of knowledge on innovation. With this general aim in mind, we relate knowledge’s nature (tacit vs. explicit) and process (e.g. knowledge exchange and combination) to innovation. Using a sample of 105 innovative firms, we find a positive linear effect of tacit knowledge on innovation and a curvilinear relationship between knowledge exchange and combination and innovation. We also find a moderating effect of tacit knowledge on the curvilinear relationship between knowledge exchange and combination and innovation. We speculate on our findings and connect them to previous theory.