Knowledge Management, a Path to Technological Innovation: A Comparative International Case Study of Engineering Companies in Japan, Ghana, and Northwestern China

Abstract

A civil engineering company in Northwestern China faces communication and innovation challenges, preventing it from moving forward as an organization. These issues stem from challenges of managing knowledge related to technological innovation within the organization. While the company is developing new practices generated in its civil engineering design service, knowledge management system development is insufficiently adopted. Knowledge management has been proven to be an efficient means to create, identify, and share knowledge and best practices in developed countries such as the UK, Japan, and the US. This comparative case study explores the successful applications of knowledge management in technological innovation for companies like the one in Northwest China -- by comparing it to two different organizations in different countries. These companies were chosen as part of this research as they provide insights through the lenses of the macro and micro issues relating to knowledge management. The findings from the study should provide practical guidance for civil engineering companies to practice knowledge management of technological innovation.