Innovation Perception of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services in the Twittersphere

Abstract

1. The rapid diffusion of Twitter as a social media tool has made it suitable to be used for big data quantitative research. KIBS and their clients use this platform to share, engage and get information fostering their innovation processes. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, we have contrasted interviews from nine KIBS with 16702 tweets mentioning the name of these firms. We have focused on understanding the perception and focus of the innovation management strategy in this sector. The digital transformation was found to be the main driver of KIBS innovative activities. We discuss why the importance of digitalization and the way in which large KIBS achieve their innovation objectives, which differs from the practices done by SME. Finally, an agenda for further research is proposed as well