The relationship between knowledge sharing capability and innovation performance within industrial clusters: Evidence from China

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of knowledge sharing on innovation performance from the knowledge-based dynamic capabilities perspective within industrial clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper designed a five-point Likert questionnaire measuring knowledge sharing, dynamic capabilities, trust and innovation performance, and a sample was collected from the industrial clusters within Fujian province in China. Empirical analysis was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Significant relationships were found between knowledge sharing and innovation performance. Three key characteristics of dynamic capabilities were distinguished, namely, knowledge acquisition capability, knowledge integration capability and knowledge creative capabilities. On this basis, further analysis found that dynamic capabilities played a mediating role in this relationship, and trust was a significant moderator.

Practical implications

This paper helps to understand the mechanism between knowledge sharing, knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, trust and innovation. Managers should focus on contributing to knowledge sharing activities, dynamic capabilities and trustful environment to improve innovation effectively.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation performance in China. Further, it highlights the crucial role of cluster knowledge management in contributing to innovation and management practices.

Citation

Han, Y. and Chen, G. (2018), "The relationship between knowledge sharing capability and innovation performance within industrial clusters: Evidence from China", Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 32-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCEFTS-06-2017-0018