OPEN INNOVATION NETWORK AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING: APPLICATIONS IN SMALL BUSINESSES

Abstract

The objective of this study is to show the challenges and paths for small enterprises to capture innovation through open innovation networks that enable them to share and to transfer technological knowledge. The participation of companies in collaborative networks shows the knowledge-sharing initiative for purposes of competitive advantage. In small businesses, the process of innovation is not something regular in their practices, by the difficulties of maintaining a viable structure in an innovative sustainable pace. The option of transferring knowledge, tacit or explicit, enables small business owners to leverage business opportunities and incorporation of knowledge only accessible in large structures. In this context, based on case studies, the study sought the identification of interactive profiles between incubators and partners for incorporation of knowledge. As a result were identified opportunities created for small businesses in interactive environments and opened through technological absorption.