The intention of this paper is to analyze the impact of a threat environment in the creation of a hi-tech cluster through the development of an independent defense industry. In order to conclude the implications of a military industry in the development of a hi-tech cluster, it was studied the case of the evolution of Israel’s defense industry into a diverse hi – tech industry (Silicon Wadi). This work emerges from a personal concern in order to understand if there are some benefits or positive side effects in developing an indigenous military industry.  Coming from a country in the developing process that has no military forces (Costa Rica) and at the same time has been struggling to create a hi-tech cluster, I wanted to learn what are the implications in the hi-tech sector for lacking an indigenous defense industry and a threat environment. As it will be presented in this study, the major implication of having an independent defense industry is that it creates a path dependency in the military sector and if it’s handled correctly through the cooperation between academia, military forces and business sectors it will be possible to create transitions of this technologies into civilian applications, diversifying the entrance of resources and creating an entrepreneur environment.

Presented dissertation is involved in the knowledge management in high-tech companies in the Czech Republic. The work with knowledge influences all areas in the company. Evaluation of formulated strategy and arrangement of development of conditions, resulting in future sustainability, are essential in the context of business success. The topic aims at organized use of knowledge in the company management activities; the emphasis is put on key factors of knowledge management. The primary objective of said dissertation thesis has been the elaboration of methodology of incorporation of elements of knowledge management into the management activities within the framework of business concept in the Czech high-tech sector. Partial objectives have been determined in closed link. Definition of objectives of the dissertation and individual hypotheses has been based on secondary research. On the basis of primary research, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, partial conclusions have been outlined. Results of a case study and small group discussion have been applied for questionnaire investigation, supported also by theoretical knowledge. Recommendation, resulting in the proposal of methodology, has been framed after the summarization of partial conclusions of the individual research approaches. Moreover, stress has been placed to a schematic visualization. Finally, presented dissertation at its end presents its contributions in the area of science and research, practice, pedagogy and methodology.

A hi-tech company often focuses on being innovative by providing product offerings as product leader, fast follower or with operational excellence. In the international calling sector the technological solutions are numerous. The providers are, for instance, normal telecom providers, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). This means that a company faces not only the competitors that offer the same solution but also from outside the company’s business sector. The company thus needs to tackle many challenges, such as fast-paced product development, market expansion, competitor volatility, at the same time as the company cultivates its brand assets. This study focuses on the branding strategy within the VoIP telecom sector. It aims to set a guideline for how companies, in particular in the VoIP telecom sectors, cultivate and enhance their brand identity in order to differentiate themselves from competitors as well as achieve a successful and sustainable level of brand equity. The thesis also studies the brand strategies that have already manifested themselves within the providers of international calling services, in particular VoIP providers and a couple of MVNO providers. By conducting the brand identity and brand equity analysis, customer analysis and competitors’ analysis, a company can make a decision on brand strategy that will further associate, differentiate, energize and support its brands. The research framework consists of both the corporate and consumer perspectives. It consists of brand theory, market research, competitor analysis and the company’s brand identity, as well as brand awareness analysis. The thesis presents the Swedish VoIP consumers’ behavior and trends, the guideline and case study on how a company bridges the gap between brand identity and brand equity as well as the guideline and case study of brand portfolio strategies that have been explored within the VoIP telecom sectors, i.e. VoIP branding.