Learning And Leadership In The New Zealand Biotechnology Industry: Innovation And Human Capital In The New Economy

Abstract

Human capital for the knowledge economy has curiously been a Cinderella topic for applied business research. This paper reports on a survey of New Zealand small and medium enterprises and is part of a wider Government-funded new economy sector analysis. The study, which utilised both a quantitative survey and qualitative theory development, examines the motivation for innovation, perceived skill shortages and managerial priorities for future development. This paper utilises the biotechnology industry to explore the competencies required for increased profitability and growth. It examines the paradox that while the new economy is people reliant and the multi-disciplinary nature of modern management includes knowledge management as a principal managerial competency, these aspects have received too little research attention. It was prompted by industry and academic acknowledgment that the primary inhibitors to progress are not technological but managerial. The findings point towards a new model of technological learning.