The nature of open knowledge sharing within low-code LC and no-code NC online communities: comparing UK and German SMEs

George, Nicholas (2025) The nature of open knowledge sharing within low-code LC and no-code NC online communities: comparing UK and German SMEs. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

The growth of digital entrepreneurship has created new opportunities and challenges in open knowledge sharing (OKS). It can be seen as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and economic development for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This research has explored the nature and determinants of OKS within low-code (LC) and no-code (NC) online communities among SME digital entrepreneurs and compared intentions and behaviours between the UK and Germany. This thesis has examined the literature extensively in relation to digital entrepreneurship, LC and NC platform utilisation, OKS aspects, distinct roles of entrepreneurs in online communities (such as knowledge seekers and knowledge contributors), and determinants of the open knowledge sharing behaviour (OKSB) patterns. The theoretical framework has been developed using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with background factors (2005) and the SECI (Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination, and Internalisation) model (2019). The research adopted an interpretivist philosophical stance and an inductive approach with qualitative research methods with semi-structured interviews and a netnography strategy for data collection. The observational data and natural conversational data, such as posts, comments, and observation, were collected from Reddit posts, YouTube video transcripts, and Apple Podcasts transcripts for netnography analysis. The data was analysed using template analysis in NVivo, through which four themes emerged and provided an overview of digital entrepreneurs’ intentions, OKSB patterns, and enabling and restricting determinant factors shaping entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours with feedback and support within LC and NC online communities. The findings of the research revealed that the LC and NC applications and online communities support digital entrepreneurs both in their business setup and expansion. The community aspect of these LCNC platforms also enabled their OKS intentions and behaviours. This research has contributed to existing literature by extending the TPB with background factors with the SECI model, presenting unique insights into the contribution of LCNC platforms regarding OKS behaviours. This integrated conceptual framework has revealed a set of composite constructs that can be assessed empirically by future researchers.