Examining the Nexus Between Knowledge Management and Renewable Energy From the Supply and Demand Sides: The Case of Vietnam

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the significance of previous, current, and future knowledge among stakeholders from the supply and demand sides in the renewable energy industry. Supported by the notions of the knowledge-based view, this line of enquiry will develop a conceptual framework to illuminate the understanding of this two-pronged view while contributing to the extant literature. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Vietnamese CEOs and company managers, 12 from the supply side (e.g., equipment providers) and 12 from the demand side (e.g., end users, energy providers). The undertaken inductive analysis revealed 11 dimensions that highlight the significance of previous formal/informal knowledge acquisition, current knowledge to create efficiencies and build adaptive knowledge, and future knowledge to diversify renewable energy offerings and to “pre-empt” future developments in the renewable energy environment. Theoretical and practical implications and insights associated with the findings and the developed framework will be discussed.