PhD defence Eric Schaap

Keywords: Knowledge acquisition, Innovation networks, Web data analysis, Entrepreneurship

"Scouting for knowledge: Exploring resource acquisition for innovation through web data analysis"

In today's digital world, companies and entrepreneurs need to find and use knowledge from outside their organizations to create successful innovations. This thesis investigated how people and businesses actually acquire this external knowledge by analyzing information they deliberately share online. The research examined four different contexts: startup founders seeking advice in online communities, early-stage companies making hiring decisions, established firms forming business networks, and researchers collaborating across different fields.

The study revealed surprising findings that challenge common assumptions. For instance, when startup founders revealed their company identity in online forums, they received less helpful advice rather than more. Companies that prioritized hiring people with the right skills and motivation over those with extensive knowledge were twice as likely to secure funding. The research also found that having too many business connections can actually harm innovation, while moderate networking proves most effective.

By analyzing web data from social media, job platforms, and corporate websites, this thesis demonstrates how digital traces of human behavior provide new insights into how innovation really happens.

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