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This paper aimed to explore the main strategies and approaches to innovation in professional service firms (PSFs), with a specific focus on accounting firms.

The paper relied upon a systematic literature review of previous studies to identify and reconcile the different approaches to innovation processes in accounting firms and further advance a conceptual framework for their discussion.

The findings, based on the review of 38 papers, revealed four main strategies around two main dimensions: the focus on internal/external features of the firm and the main source of innovation (technology and knowledge). The strategies may enable PSFs finding new opportunities and improving organizational performance.

The paper provides a conceptual framework in the form of a “strategy-innovation” matrix where four strategies emerged to support PSFs identifying possible approaches to innovation for new opportunities and improving their performance and services. In doing so, the paper bridges the main sources of innovation, knowledge and technology with key organizational features, considering structural/organizational aspects, cultural aspects, HR practices, collaborative behaviors, professional autonomy, service diversification and the role of professional networks and external actors.

The paper contributes to the literature by deepening understanding of innovation processes in PSFs, suggesting the need to develop a strategic orientation to innovation in these firms. In doing so, the paper also provides useful practical implications for the management of PSFs, suggesting an “innovation/strategy” matrix that might support the positioning of PSFs with reference to its approach to innovation.

The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of communities of practice (CoP) as knowledge-sharing tools in family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this context, CoPs that jointly involve family and non-family members are expected to act as knowledge-sharing tools.

This paper employs a multiple case study methodology, analysing the cases of six small companies in different sectors and countries over a period of 8 years. Both primary and secondary data are used.

The results show the role CoPs play in involving family and non-family members in empowering knowledge-sharing initiatives. A CoP's role in knowledge sharing depends on the presence (or lack) of a family leader, the leadership approach, the degree of cohesion around shared approaches and values within the CoP, and the presence of multiple generations at work.

This paper contributes to the literature on knowledge sharing in family businesses, by exploring for the first time the role of the CoP as a knowledge-sharing tool, depending on families' involvement in the CoP.

This paper aims to analyse the role of business plan development as a knowledge translation tool, especially for the creation of start-ups. In a complex knowledge ecosystem populated by multiple diverse and autonomous actors (such as potential entrepreneurs, local companies, local public entities and business consultants) bonded together by a joint search for valuable knowledge, business plan development can work as a powerful enabler for the translation of knowledge.

The study uses a qualitative multi-case study approach by examining the results of a public programme devoted to the creation of new entrepreneurial ventures. The authors analysed 418 complete business plans and followed up with all the participants with an interview. In total, 40 cases were investigated more in detail.

Results show how business plan development can function as a bridge between academic, theoretical and general knowledge on start-up creation on the one hand and practical contextualised activities of potential entrepreneurs on the other.

The process of knowledge translation is crucial to ensure that relevant knowledge coming from both the inside (the entrepreneur) and outside (the stakeholders) of the organisation is effectively applied. To facilitate the translation process, key knowledge users should be supported in contextualising and making sense of the research knowledge. Initiatives carried out by local entities and other actors, gathering several stakeholders to develop business plans, can become valuable opportunities to facilitate the translation process for start-up development.

The paper contributes to knowledge management and knowledge translation literature by demonstrating the role of business plan development as an effective knowledge translation enabler. It also adds to the understanding of innovation management and entrepreneurial education by proving the relevance of the translation of knowledge for the creation of new business ventures.