The Different Key Processes in the Implementation of Knowledge Management Among IC Designers, Distributors and Manufacturers

This study is an exploratory investigation of the enabling roles of knowledge management for integrated circuit (IC) Designers, Distributors, and Manufacturers. This study explores the different enabling roles in terms of knowledge creation, storage/retrieval, transfer and application when businesses implement knowledge management in upstream, midstream, and downstream firms in the IC industry. Three cases, Winbond, Worldpeace, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) were studied and analyzed systemically to illustrate the findings and insights in this study. The findings in this study point out that IC designers may focus more on knowledge storage, while IC distributors pay more attention to knowledge application and IC Manufacturers emphasize knowledge creation. The necessity to implement knowledge management in the distribution industry is also emphasized in this study. Moreover, the reasons for the different enabling roles are presented in the ‘Insights from Case Studies’ section of the paper.