Knowledge, innovation, internationalisation and performance: insights from the Portuguese footwear industry

摘要

This paper seeks to promote a better understanding of the relationships between, and possible effects of strategic knowledge management (SKM), innovation, internationalisation and performance in the Portuguese footwear industry. The rationale for this research is based on the understanding that innovation has played a major role in the recent good performance and internationalisation of this industry - trends that have developed despite Portugal's economic recession. The study used a quali-quantitative methodology, gathering data through semi-structured interviews with chief executive officers of footwear firms and academics specialising in innovation. In addition, a questionnaire was distributed that concentrated on the largest geographical cluster of Portugal's footwear industry. We found support for our initial expectation that SKM is mostly absent from these firms' formal practices: codification is seldom considered, and personalisation tends to be informal. Nevertheless, SKM was found to contribute to innovation, and more innovative firms are more extensively and deeply internationalised.