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Knowledge-intensive business services in time of crisis: the coronavirus pandemic

Ian Douglas Miles (Laboratory for Economics of Innovation, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation and Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)
Veronika Belousova (Unit for Intellectual Services Market Research, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation)
Nikolay Chichkanov (Laboratory for Economics of Innovation, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation and Unit for Intellectual Services Market Research, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation)
Zhaklin Krayushkina (Unit for Intellectual Services Market Research, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 5 March 2021

Issue publication date: 20 March 2021

1018

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) firms focus on applying their expert knowledge to help solve the business problems of their clients: these clients confronted major new problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic and policy measures such as social distancing and travel restrictions, designed to reduce the rapid spread of the illness. Many KIBS were reliant upon extensive contact with clients, and within teams working on projects; they found their practices disrupted. This study aims to examine how KIBS are evolving to cope with both the sets of changes: those in their own operations, and those involving the emerging business problems of clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The main data sources are material contained in websites of a sample of leading firms in a range of KIBS sectors, and in media reports and other documentation of efforts to confront the pandemic.

Findings

The results indicate considerable efforts in KIBS to address emerging client problems, as well as to adapt their own practices. Their substantial role in confronting the pandemic and associated business difficulties has implications for future crises. KIBS are likely to be important players in shaping responses not only to future pandemics but also to the looming climate crisis.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the growing role of KIBS and their “second knowledge infrastructure” in modern economies, exemplified by their role in the context of an emerging crisis.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The article was prepared within the framework of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. Nikolay Chichkanov would also like to acknowledge the support by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) and that his contribution to the reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 19-310-90057.

Citation

Miles, I.D., Belousova, V., Chichkanov, N. and Krayushkina, Z. (2021), "Knowledge-intensive business services in time of crisis: the coronavirus pandemic", Foresight, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 125-153. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-07-2020-0066

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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