Classification of Knowledge Intensive Business Services by Distinguishing their Knowledge Bases

Knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) are known to play a significant role in innovation systems. Past research has however mostly treated KIBS as a homogenous group; it is now time to understand better the variety that exists among KIBS. The main purpose of this study was the classification of knowledge intensive business services by distinguishing their knowledge bases (analytical, synthetic or symbolic). In this Delphi study, after reviewing previous research and examining the upstream documentation and infrastructure at ABFA, the areas of knowledge associated with a description of business services were identified. The results of data analysis showed that in all knowledge areas identified including creation, upgrading and development of water and wastewater facilities, center of supervision, operation and maintenance of facilities, sales and customer service, supply and support management, human resources management, management Financing, partner relationship management, developing management systems have analytical and synthetic knowledge.