Competitiveness and Knowledge: An International Comparison of Traditional Firms [Hardcover]

1.Introduction 2. Labor Costs and the Competitive Situation 3. Vertical Integration and the Management of Inputs to Production 4. Knowledge and Competitiveness 5. Innovation Behavior and Innovation Management 6. Markets, Trade and Globalization 7. Conclusions

In the twenty-first century technology has become global, and firms compete using knowledge and capital. The traditional firm has a need for innovation and depends on efficient knowledge management to improve productivity.

This book examines five firms that produce the same commodity, white chicken meat, in different parts of the world and under very different conditions. It brings to bear the expertise and international perspectives of the author team, utilizing theoretical discussions and case studies to address the question: How do local firms use knowledge to compete in an increasingly globalized world?

This book will be of interest to any postgraduate student, researcher or policymaker hoping to achieve a firmer grasp of innovation and knowledge management: a recurring and highly pertinent theme in contemporary economics.

In the 21st century technology has become global, and firms compete using knowledge and capital. The traditional firm has a need for innovation and depends on efficient knowledge management to improve productivity.
This book examines five firms that produce the same commodity, white chicken meat, in different parts of the world and under very different conditions. It brings to bear the expertise and international perspectives of the author team, utilising theoretical discussions and case studies to address the question: How do local firms use knowledge to compete in an increasingly globalized world?

Knut Ingar Westeren has been a Professor of Economics at Nord University in Norway since 2001. He received his Master in Economics flƒ: