Knowledge sharing and innovation performance : A comparison between high‐tech and low‐tech companies

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to test empirically the degree of influence of different knowledge‐sharing mechanisms on the innovation capability of firms, as well as to analyse the degree of relevance of each innovation capability dimension to value creation. Additionally, the role of technology intensity as a moderator variable of the aforementioned relationships is examined. Design/methodology/approach – An ad hoc questionnaire was designed and addressed to the CEOs of the companies making up the target population of the research (Spanish manufacturing firms with more than 50 employees and R&D activities). Structural equation modeling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) was then applied in order to test the main hypotheses of the research. Findings – The results obtained show that knowledge sharing is a key issue in order to enhance the innovation capability of firms. Nevertheless, depending on the innovation capability dimension being considered and on the technology intensity of the firm, the type of knowledge sharing which appears to be more fruitful varies. On the other hand, technology intensity also moderates the degree of relevance of each innovation capability in value creation. Originality/value – The main contribution of the paper is to provide empirical evidence about the impact of knowledge sharing on innovation. Moreover, it reveals what the most effective knowledge‐sharing mechanisms are for this purpose, and provides companies with a basic framework in order to shape their knowledge management strategies.