Anne Kallio | Lappeenranta University of Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by Anne Kallio

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Production Innovation Processes

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Product Innovation Processes

Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, …, Jan 1, 2010

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Employee-driven evaluation in change and innovation – a multi-case study of examining different representations of knowledge

Designing evaluation in the workplace is being governed by the conceptions of how knowledge and l... more Designing evaluation in the workplace is being governed by the conceptions of how knowledge and learning as knowledge creation are seen. In the context of practice-based innovation activities, this paper examines how evaluation is affected by different kinds of representations of knowledge. Evaluation that aims to involve employees as a driver of change needs to tackle the actual work process instead of official work descriptions. Employee-driven evaluation is suggested as a starting point towards a more holistic picture of evaluation in an organizational context. In order for the employees to take an active role in evaluation, empowerment is suggested as (a first) element of employee-driven evaluation. We are suggesting that empowerment evaluation could facilitate the balance between the
practical, analytical and interpretative dimensions of work process.

Research paper thumbnail of Locating the Weak Points of Innovation Capability before Launching a Development Project

Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know ... more Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know how innovation capability is comprehended. This paper suggests a procedure to locate the devel-opment targets of organizational innovation capability before making decisions on projects. First, from the viewpoint of practice-based innovation, an understanding of the concept of innovation capability is provided. Further, the suggested classification for innovation capability provides a basis for developing the measurement instrument. Finally, to answer the research question of how an innovation intervention should be targeted, this paper uses practical experiences of implement-ing the procedure in the setting of a single case company.

Research paper thumbnail of Locating the Weak Points of Innovation Capability before Launching a Development Project

Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know ... more Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know how innovation capability is comprehended. This paper suggests a procedure to locate the devel-opment targets of organizational innovation capability before making decisions on projects. First, from the viewpoint of practice-based innovation, an understanding of the concept of innovation capability is provided. Further, the suggested classification for innovation capability provides a basis for developing the measurement instrument. Finally, to answer the research question of how an innovation intervention should be targeted, this paper uses practical experiences of implement-ing the procedure in the setting of a single case company.

Research paper thumbnail of Absorptive Capacity and Social Capital in Regional Innovation Systems: The Case of the Lahti Region in Finland

The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the str... more The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the structural holes and weak links of the innovation system. Higher absorptive capacity enables an easier crossing over of structural holes in the innovation system, aided by social capital that is located in the social relationships of actors. However, the level of human and social interaction in regional innovation systems has been largely neglected as a research topic. Empirical research on a sample in the Lahti region in Finland suggested three forms of social capital: organisational bonding social capital, regional bridging social capital and personal creative social capital. Further analysis revealed three groups of actors’ interaction behaviour: Missionaries, House Mice and the Passive Resistance.

Research paper thumbnail of PRACTICE-BASED INNOVATION PEDAGOGY: LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF ACTION

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Product Innovation Processes

Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, …, Jan 1, 2010

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Generating Innovation Opportunities-Exploring Unexpressed Customer Knowledge

Abstract nullThis study focuses on how a company can generate innovation opportunities by explori... more Abstract nullThis study focuses on how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring unexpressed customer knowledge. In an open innovation paradigm, exploration can be performed via an in-depth or broad search of resources beyond organisational ...

Research paper thumbnail of Generating innovation opportunities: how to explore and absorb customer knowledge

International Journal of Technology …, Jan 1, 2011

This study examines how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring and absorbin... more This study examines how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring and absorbing customer knowledge. The exploration can be performed via an in-depth or broad search for resources beyond organisational boundaries. Salespeople are an essential channel for an in-depth search in relation to customers, since salespeople possess rich knowledge of the customers. In order to be useful, such knowledge has to be absorbed in the company. Most of the literature on absorptive capacity has focused on R&D, while less focus has been placed on studying the role of individuals in the development of integrative practices. This paper demonstrates how a community of practice can enable organisations to move from potential absorptive capacity to realised absorptive capacity.

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Production Innovation Processes

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Product Innovation Processes

Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, …, Jan 1, 2010

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Employee-driven evaluation in change and innovation – a multi-case study of examining different representations of knowledge

Designing evaluation in the workplace is being governed by the conceptions of how knowledge and l... more Designing evaluation in the workplace is being governed by the conceptions of how knowledge and learning as knowledge creation are seen. In the context of practice-based innovation activities, this paper examines how evaluation is affected by different kinds of representations of knowledge. Evaluation that aims to involve employees as a driver of change needs to tackle the actual work process instead of official work descriptions. Employee-driven evaluation is suggested as a starting point towards a more holistic picture of evaluation in an organizational context. In order for the employees to take an active role in evaluation, empowerment is suggested as (a first) element of employee-driven evaluation. We are suggesting that empowerment evaluation could facilitate the balance between the
practical, analytical and interpretative dimensions of work process.

Research paper thumbnail of Locating the Weak Points of Innovation Capability before Launching a Development Project

Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know ... more Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know how innovation capability is comprehended. This paper suggests a procedure to locate the devel-opment targets of organizational innovation capability before making decisions on projects. First, from the viewpoint of practice-based innovation, an understanding of the concept of innovation capability is provided. Further, the suggested classification for innovation capability provides a basis for developing the measurement instrument. Finally, to answer the research question of how an innovation intervention should be targeted, this paper uses practical experiences of implement-ing the procedure in the setting of a single case company.

Research paper thumbnail of Locating the Weak Points of Innovation Capability before Launching a Development Project

Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know ... more Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know how innovation capability is comprehended. This paper suggests a procedure to locate the devel-opment targets of organizational innovation capability before making decisions on projects. First, from the viewpoint of practice-based innovation, an understanding of the concept of innovation capability is provided. Further, the suggested classification for innovation capability provides a basis for developing the measurement instrument. Finally, to answer the research question of how an innovation intervention should be targeted, this paper uses practical experiences of implement-ing the procedure in the setting of a single case company.

Research paper thumbnail of Absorptive Capacity and Social Capital in Regional Innovation Systems: The Case of the Lahti Region in Finland

The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the str... more The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the structural holes and weak links of the innovation system. Higher absorptive capacity enables an easier crossing over of structural holes in the innovation system, aided by social capital that is located in the social relationships of actors. However, the level of human and social interaction in regional innovation systems has been largely neglected as a research topic. Empirical research on a sample in the Lahti region in Finland suggested three forms of social capital: organisational bonding social capital, regional bridging social capital and personal creative social capital. Further analysis revealed three groups of actors’ interaction behaviour: Missionaries, House Mice and the Passive Resistance.

Research paper thumbnail of PRACTICE-BASED INNOVATION PEDAGOGY: LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF ACTION

Research paper thumbnail of Information Quality and Absorptive Capacity in Service and Product Innovation Processes

Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, …, Jan 1, 2010

All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often as... more All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Generating Innovation Opportunities-Exploring Unexpressed Customer Knowledge

Abstract nullThis study focuses on how a company can generate innovation opportunities by explori... more Abstract nullThis study focuses on how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring unexpressed customer knowledge. In an open innovation paradigm, exploration can be performed via an in-depth or broad search of resources beyond organisational ...

Research paper thumbnail of Generating innovation opportunities: how to explore and absorb customer knowledge

International Journal of Technology …, Jan 1, 2011

This study examines how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring and absorbin... more This study examines how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring and absorbing customer knowledge. The exploration can be performed via an in-depth or broad search for resources beyond organisational boundaries. Salespeople are an essential channel for an in-depth search in relation to customers, since salespeople possess rich knowledge of the customers. In order to be useful, such knowledge has to be absorbed in the company. Most of the literature on absorptive capacity has focused on R&D, while less focus has been placed on studying the role of individuals in the development of integrative practices. This paper demonstrates how a community of practice can enable organisations to move from potential absorptive capacity to realised absorptive capacity.