High-tech Small and Medium Sized Enterprises’ Use of Methods and Tools for External Knowledge Integration

External knowledge integration (EKI) is the process by which organizations identify, acquire, and utilize knowledge from their environment. While there is a vast array of methods and tools (MTs) available to support this process, it seems that high-tech small and medium sized enterprises (HTSMEs) hardly use them. This study investigates a) whether this is correct for a variety of MTs, b) what is the level of satisfaction with these MTs, and c) what are potential causes for a low usage. A survey with results from 317 HTSMEs shows that the usage of MTs to support EKI is indeed low, in particular for very specific MTs. Moreover, it appears that users are satisfied with the MTs they use and that not being aware of MTs is the most important reason for not using them. Suggestions are provided as to how usage of MTs for EKI amongst HTSMEs can be improved by increasing awareness.