The Contribution of Tacit Knowledge to Innovation

Abstract

Studies of innovation, technology transfer and technology diffusion identify tacit knowledge as an important component of innovation (e.g. Dosi, 1988; Rosenberg, 1976, 1982). None of these discussions provide a satisfactory definition for tacit knowledge or give a detailed, systematic account of its role in technological innovation. Nor do they provide guidance on how its importance may differ according to the industrial sector or technology being studied or how firms may acquire it.