Accumulation of knowledge capabilities:
The perspective of knowledge‐based view and network theory
ABSTRACT
Studying network structures and network content from knowledge‐based view and
network theory, we conceptualize a framework of knowledge network. Our approach defines
sequences as the set of network structure, knowledge heterogeneous, and knowledge
cognition a firm coordinates with partners to accumulate knowledge capabilities. It
integrates network structure and network content with social network theory and a
knowledge‐based view regarding organizational innovativeness. Using a sample of 144
high‐technology firms in Taiwan, we empirically identify three critical factors of knowledge
network and demonstrate their relationships that the firm can facilitate its innovative
performance by considering the effect of knowledge cognition. The network structure can
provide us with significant insight about the circulation of knowledge within a firm’s
relationships if we also disclose the content of the network. In short, while knowledge flow
within a firm’s relationships are discussed with regard to the network structure and content,
the ability of the firm to manage and benefit from such knowledge becomes the critical
issues in network research. We discuss the implications of these findings for research on the
accumulation of knowledge capabilities.
Keywords: knowledge networks, knowledge flow, knowledge‐based view, network theory,
innovative performance
