nep-knm New Economics Papers
on Knowledge Management and Knowledge Economy
Issue of 2026–03–30
three papers chosen by
Laura Nicola-Gavrila, Centrul European de Studii Manageriale în Administrarea Afacerilor


  1. On the Origins of Modern East Asia: Knowledge and the Economic Transformation of Japan and China in the late 19th century By Debin Ma; Jared Rubin; Weiwen Yin
  2. Green Servant Leadership and Innovation: The Roles of Tacit Knowledge Sharing and Organizational Culture in Resource-Constrained Manufacturing By Peng Hu'An; Fateh Saci; Javid Iqbal; Mohamad Ahmad; Wafa Ghardallou; Ubaldo Comite
  3. Artificial Intelligence Capital and Business Innovation By Drydakis, Nick

  1. By: Debin Ma (Fudan University); Jared Rubin (Chapman University); Weiwen Yin (University of Macau)
    Abstract: This paper revisits the old thesis of the contrasting paths of modernization between Japan and China. It develops a new analytical framework regarding the role of knowledge acquisition (propositional vs. prescriptive) and political centralization as the key drivers behind these contrasting paths. Our model and historical data highlight how the introduction of these elements contributed to Meiji Japan’s decisive turn towards the West and Qing China’s lethargic response to Western imperialism. Our analytical framework, developed from a comparative historical narrative and quantitative data, sheds new light on the importance of knowledge acquisition in enabling developing countries to reach the world’s economic frontier.
    Keywords: propositional knowledge, prescriptive knowledge, China, Japan, economic development, economic divergence, Meiji Reform, centralization, decentralization
    JEL: P52 N45 N40 Z10
    Date: 2026
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:chu:wpaper:26-04
  2. By: Peng Hu'An (Guangxi Normal University); Fateh Saci (CHROME - Détection, évaluation, gestion des risques CHROniques et éMErgents (CHROME) - Nîmes Université - UNIMES - Nîmes Université, UMay - Université de Mayotte (UMay)); Javid Iqbal (CUI - COMSATS University Islamabad); Mohamad Ahmad (LARGEPA - Laboratoire de recherche en sciences de gestion Panthéon-Assas - Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas); Wafa Ghardallou (Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University); Ubaldo Comite (Giustino Fortunato University)
    Abstract: Amongst escalating environmental challenges, organizations are increasingly adopting leadership approaches that advance sustainability-oriented outcomes. This study investigates the influence of Green Servant Leadership (GSL) on Green Innovation (GI), emphasizing the mediating role of Tacit Green Knowledge (TK) and the moderating effect of Organizational Green Culture (OC). Drawing on empirical data collected from China's manufacturing sector and employing structural equation modeling via SmartPLS, the results demonstrate that GSL significantly fosters TK, which subsequently promotes GI. Furthermore, the moderation analysis indicates that OC positively strengthens the relationship between GSL and TK (β = 0.121, T = 3.562, p < 0.001), suggesting that the impact of green leadership on knowledge-sharing behaviors is amplified in organizations that cultivate a strong green culture. This moderated mediation effect implies that organizational culture not only enhances the dissemination of tacit green knowledge but also strengthens the indirect influence of leadership on innovation.
    Keywords: Moderated Mediation, Knowledge-Based, Organizational Green Culture, Green Innovation, Tacit Green Knowledge, Leadership
    Date: 2026–01–20
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05551357
  3. By: Drydakis, Nick
    Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognised as a key driver of business innovation, yet its adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) varies considerably. This study examines whether AI Capital, defined as AI-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, is associated with business innovation among SMEs in England. Using a two-wave longitudinal panel dataset comprising 504 observations from SMEs collected in 2024 and 2025, the study develops and validates a 45-item AI Capital of Business scale. Business innovation is measured across five dimensions: product and service innovation, process innovation, technology adoption, market and customer engagement, and organisational culture and strategy. Regression models, including pooled OLS, Random Effects, and Fixed Effects specifications, are employed. The findings reveal a robust positive association between AI Capital and business innovation across all model specifications. This association holds across all business innovation dimensions and remains consistent for SMEs with differing levels of financial performance, size, and operational maturity. Each component of AI Capital independently exhibits a positive association with business innovation outcomes. The results highlight the central role of AI Capital in enabling SMEs to translate AI adoption into tangible business innovation. From a policy perspective, the findings indicate the value of targeted interventions that prioritise AI upskilling, organisational capability development, and accessible support mechanisms to promote inclusive and sustainable AI-driven business innovation among SMEs.
    Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Capital, Business Innovation, Innovation, SMEs
    JEL: O31 O33 O32 L26 L25 M15 D83 J24 O14 O39
    Date: 2026
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1723

This nep-knm issue is ©2026 by Laura Nicola-Gavrila. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at https://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the Griffith Business School of Griffith University in Australia.