Investigating the Impacts of Knowledge Network on Product Innovation Performance Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Case Study of E-Commerce Companies in Isfahan Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tarbiat Modares University

2 Science and Research Branch

Abstract

Acquiring new knowledge enables organizations to gain competitive advantage and improves their organizational performance. Knowledge networks are among the main sources of knowledge. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and product innovation performance. To do so, a conceptual framework of product innovation performance is proposed with respect to the factors of knowledge management and product development strategies. Next, the impact of strategic focus on new product development and product innovation performance is empirically studied from the perspective of technical knowledge, customer's knowledge and competitive knowledge. The statistical population is selected from IT experts in the field of knowledge management and innovation, working for e-commerce companies in Esfahan province, Iran, and academics of the field. In this study, structural equation modeling and AMOS software are used to examine and test the conceptual model, and exploratory factor analysis is used to confirm the validity of the research criteria and structural validity. The results show that product innovation performance is created by knowledge management systems. The findings also reveal that some product development strategies have significant impacts on product innovation performance and knowledge networks. Among product development strategies, incremental strategy has no significant impacts on product innovation performance. Also, knowledge networks have a significantly positive effect on product innovation performance.

Keywords


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