Elizaveta Gromova, Eduardo Tome
In the 21st century Agile Manufacturing and Knowledge Management are two realities that exist worldwide; both these realities benefit from each other and from the cooperation between enterprises. The modern knowledge-based economy is characterized by the integration of information and knowledge from different fields. So, organizations need mechanisms that are capable of generating or acquiring knowledge. The aim of this paper is to present the mechanism of collaboration of enterprises in the context of agile concept in Russian industry. Businesses should be integrated into dynamic networks formed around well-defined market opportunities so that knowledge can be shared. Through this process, knowledge is transformed into new products and services. A case study of industrial enterprises in Russia has been conducted from 2014 to the present. The study was made within a qualitative methodology based on techniques such as generalization, systematization, comparison, interpretation, using direct observation of a predefined and established pilot study. The continuously growing knowledge base is the most important result of the mechanism’s action. In addition, such results as reduction of time of product creation, improvement of product quality, maximum satisfaction of customers' requests were achieved. Summing up, the use of knowledge management in the company based on flexible processes and the use of collaboration is an effective measure to maintain and improve the competitiveness of the enterprise. This study is a value for researchers in the field of industrial economics and industrial practitioners. And it might be replicated in other similar organization that might perform similar pilot studies.