Enhancing competitiveness through strategic knowledge sharing as a driver of innovation capability and performance

Abstract

In an era marked by global challenges, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaceutical sector stands at the forefront of innovation, tasked with delivering therapeutic breakthroughs at an unprecedented pace. This study ventures beyond the well-trodden path by probing the intricate dynamics of knowledge sharing as a strategic catalyst for bolstering innovation capability and performance (ICP) within pharmaceutical firms. We argue that knowledge sharing transcends conventional utility, acting as a pivotal lever that amplifies innovation within a highly regulated and competitive landscape. Through meticulous analysis, we unearth a nuanced synergy among six pivotal domains—organizational culture, managerial commitment, technological infrastructure, trust, reciprocal benefits, and knowledge dissemination. Our research model, anchored in a robust body of literature, reveals that while these elements individually support ICP, their collective orchestration through knowledge-sharing networks yields a magnified impact on innovation outcomes. We present novel insights illustrating that the interplay between these domains and knowledge-sharing practices engenders a fertile ecosystem for innovation, where diverse stakeholders contribute to richer, more robust ICP. Our findings underscore the strategic imperative for pharmaceutical firms to cultivate an integrated knowledge-sharing culture, not merely as good practice but as a cornerstone for sustained innovation and competitive superiority in a rapidly evolving industry.