Knowledge Transfer in the Craft Beer Business Networks in Portugal

Abstract

It is intended to understand how knowledge transfer is processed in the craft beer business network in Portugal, to assess the importance of the knowledge thus acquired and how it impacts the processes. Thus, since knowledge is an organizational resource that provides a sustainable competitive advantage in a competitive environment and in a dynamic economy, the transfer of knowledge between organizations is fundamental for their survival and growth. Therefore, and given that, in the craft beer sector, knowledge, experience, and personal skills of the entrepreneur are the main reasons for the existence of networks and collaborations, the transfer of knowledge in the craft beer business has attracted the interest of academics. Thus, the main objective of this study was to understand the importance of knowledge, how its transfer occurs between the various elements of the craft beer business network and its dynamics. It was concluded, through a qualitative case study, that the importance of this knowledge is crucial and the impact very significant in the processes, identifying a model that explains the process. This study also allowed to increase knowledge about the transfer of knowledge among the members of this network, still little studied, and to draw attention to the need to carry out more studies on this topic.