E‐knowledge networks for inter‐organizational collaborative e‐business

Evaluates the increase in inter‐ and intra‐organizational knowledge sharing capabilities brought about by the Internet‐driven “new economy” technologies and the resulting managerial implications. Presents a framework for evaluating and deploying such technologies. Firms employing knowledge networks can also use e‐knowledge to improve organizational decision making, react more quickly to changes in the economic landscape, and create dynamic custom content and consumer intimacy. Builds on the extensive literature in knowledge management and inter‐organizational systems by identifying the opportunities of each in creating “e‐knowledge networks” to support organizational collaboration. This framework is applied to four industry case studies – supply chain management networks, adserver networks, content syndication networks, and business‐to‐business exchange networks. Analysis suggests that in the new economy, characterized by ubiquitous and often automated information sharing capabilities, the ability to create knowledge‐based networks of partners will be critical to maintaining competitive advantage.