Knowledge acquisition by SMEs in weak client-firm exchange relationships

This thesis examines the role that non-collaborative, weak exchange relationships might play in the acquisition of knowledge by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An important source of knowledge for a firm lies in its network of relationships. There has been considerable research conducted on knowledge transfer and acquisition through linkages, such as strategic alliances and similar-type, close collaborations with other businesses. However, many SMEs are less likely to be involved in collaborative, close interfirm relationships because of their relatively small market share, short industry time and uncertainty associated with the firm's future. Consequently, much of the research on interfirm relationships has overlooked SMEs. Many SME linkages are the non-collaborative, arm's-length type that many researchers argue play very little or no role in knowledge transfer and acquisition. However, research has found that inter-firm relationships that are not close and less collaborative are a source of new external knowledge.