Knowledge Management within the Irish seafood processing sector

Competitive vulnerabilities remain an ongoing threat to the long-term sustainability of the Irish seafood sector. Shifts in global wealth, particularly in Asia, are driving demand for high value products in the growing health... [ view full abstract ]

Competitive vulnerabilities remain an ongoing threat to the long-term sustainability of the Irish seafood sector. Shifts in global wealth, particularly in Asia, are driving demand for high value products in the growing health and wellness markets, where quality seafood is a vital ingredient. Internationally, market-driven research and development is strategically focusing on leveraging emerging opportunities. Ireland is well recognised for their robust research within seafood. However below-par engagement between seafood stakeholders and researchers is limiting both commercial focus and tangible outputs to the detriment of the sector. Ten face-to face interviews with SME seafood owner/manager processors were conducted therefore to explore Knowledge Management (KM) standards, processes and practices. Results revealed that SMEs were typically small with open-flat inclusive organisational structures with the owner-managers as the main innovators who were both resource and time poor and had typically no formal Knowledge Management systems in place. SME respondents, who were more involved in value-adding processes, tended to use more KM tools, engaged in more applied networks and appreciated the strategic benefits of enhanced KM.  It was concluded that enhanced engagement with Research Performing Organisations on commercially focussed projects to drive market-driven opportunities could be of strategic benefit. The study has implications for enhancing KM within the Irish seafood sector and informing processes to support this in addition to policy development.