Computing and Information Systems - Theses

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    A secure innovation process for start-ups: Minimising knowledge leakage and protecting IP
    Pitruzzello, Sam ( 2016)
    Failing to profit from innovations as a result of knowledge leakage is a key business risk for high-tech start-ups. Innovation is central to the success of a start-up and their competitive advantage in the market place therefore methods to protect intellectual property (IP) and minimise knowledge leakage is crucial. However, high-tech start-ups have limited resources rendering them more vulnerable to knowledge leakage risks compared to mature enterprises. Unfortunately, research on knowledge leakage and innovation processes falls short of addressing the needs of high-tech start-ups. Since knowledge leakage can occur in a number of ways involving many scenarios, organisations typically employ a variety of IP protection and knowledge leakage mitigation methods to minimise the risks. This minor thesis fills the research gaps on innovation processes and knowledge leakage for start-ups. A literature review was conducted into the bodies of research on knowledge leakage and innovation. Following the literature review, a secure innovation process (SIP) model was developed from the research. SIP includes the concept of the risk window which allows a start-up to identify, assess and manage knowledge leakage risks at various stages in the innovation process.