Inter-organizational knowledge transfer effectiveness in new technology-based firms: A relational and empirical view from South Africa

The open innovation model often neglects the frictions that external knowledge flows may encounter when crossing organizational boundaries. This study recognizes three types of barriers (organizational, technological similarity and contact frequency) and investigates the impact of these barriers on knowledge transfer effectiveness by using data on new technology-based firms located in the emerging South African economy. Empirical results show that these three types of barriers, which exist in inter-organizational knowledge exchange relationships, do have an impact on the usefulness of knowledge received. The findings stress the relevance of a relational approach, as factors derived from it act as barriers to effective knowledge transfer for small firms.