A Multi-Level Model Study of Knowledge Power in Technology Innovation Networks: A Complementarity for the Knowledge-Based View

The Knowledge-Based View (KBV) is one of the main views for studying innovation networks at present. Researches from KBV only, however, have derived some problems. Main of those is neglecting actors´ role in the network by emphasizing on static attributes of knowledge rather than attributes of individual organizations and their dynamic movements. This paper believes that an actor´ power or influence over other actors in a technology innovation network is one of the main ways to reflect its active role in the network. Therefore, in this paper, 1) by combining the theories of KBV, Dynamic Capability and Power Dependence, the concept of Knowledge Power is introduced into the study of technology innovation networks; 2) a multi-level model of knowledge attributes is provided according to technology innovation networks´ characteristics; 3) the impact of knowledge attributes on knowledge power is analyzed based on the multi-level model, with some propositions proposed.