Facing the conflict of transparency and non-disclosure of knowledge within value creation networks

Collaboration of autonomous and specialized actors in value networks makes special demands on the joint use of knowledge resources. On the one hand, the actors wants to protect their competitive knowledge during the cooperation within the network. On the other hand, the distribution of knowledge must be ensured within the network in develop potentials for value co- creation. Based on a description model for an interconnected and open value creation this article discusses the conflict of objectives between the protection of knowledge and the availability of knowledge within a value creation network. Furthermore, a concept for inter-organizational cooperation is introduced which fosters the depth of cooperation and interaction between the actors within the network establishing save spaces for knowledge exchange and a common development of knowledge.