Exploratory study on the relationship between knowledge attributes and innovation behavior in SMEs in the information service industry

Studies conducted in recent years have indicated that the innovation behaviors of a company is determined by its knowledge attributes. Research conducted on these topics has mainly focused on the manufacturing industry, and limited emphasis is placed on service-oriented industries such as the information service industry. Most of the companies in the information service industry are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, this study focused on information service SMEs and aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge attributes and innovation behaviors in information service companies. An exploratory study involving qualitative interviews with five software companies was performed, and the results indicated that 1) knowledge attributes influence innovation behaviors and management in software companies, and 2) R&D personnel autonomy in information service SMEs also influence innovation behaviors and management. The findings of this study have potential applicability in both the theory and practice of knowledge management.