A Supply Chain Framework for Knowledge Creation in New Product Development

The purpose of this article is to develop a framework that explains knowledge creation within a knowledge supply chain to develop new products. It aims to provide a representation of how knowledge creation occurs in this environment and to show relevant factors that influence on the process.Design/methodology/approach – This article uses a literature review and case study research. The case study considers ten Iranian firms that are members of a knowledge supply chain that develops new heavy vehicles. Empirical data have been collected mainly from in-depth interviews.Findings – Based on the inputs from theory and practice, the article acknowledges a knowledge supply chain structure, and develops a framework to indicate characteristics of knowledge creation within the knowledge supply chain to develop new products.Originality/value – Research addressing the coordination of knowledge creation, supply chain and NPD is relatively rare. With the increased rate of product introductions, there is an increasing need to comprehend how firms can use a supply chain to create knowledge needed for NPD. This study attempts to fill this gap in the extant literature by exploring how the knowledge supply chain factors influence on knowledge creation for NPD