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Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation / OLEKSANDRA OZCAN

Swansea University Author: OLEKSANDRA OZCAN

  • E-Thesis – open access under embargo until: 16th August 2026

DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.69596

Abstract

Trade secrets are critical assets for companies, providing a competitive edge by safeguarding valuable information and innovations. Unlike patents, however, trade secrets do not require public disclosure, enabling companies to maintain a competitive advantage by keeping critical information confiden...

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Published: Swansea, Wales, UK 2025
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
Supervisor: Pickernell David ; Bacon Emily
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69596
first_indexed 2025-05-30T11:46:18Z
last_indexed 2025-05-31T04:43:31Z
id cronfa69596
recordtype RisThesis
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Rapid technological advancement and the increasing value of intangible assets means that effective trade secret management is, therefore, becoming ever more important for sustaining a firm's competitive position and fostering innovation. Simultaneously, however, comprehensive frameworks and processes for trade secret identification, protection, and misappropriation mitigation remain underexplored in the literature and practice. Consequently, this PhD research aims to address this gap and develop an in-depth understanding of trade secret management processes, examined through the lenses of Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities (DC), and Knowledge Management (KM) theories. This research combines qualitative methods across four distinct papers using a sequential mixed-methods approach. The first paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to develop a strategic framework for trade secret protection, integrating RBV and DC theories. The second paper explores trade secret management processes through a thematic analysis of 52 UK legal cases and five expert interviews. It highlights the importance of organisational awareness, employee commitment, and support from legal, IT, and HR departments. The third paper addresses the challenges of trade secret identification, proposing a UVRIP framework based on KM theory and providing a strategic tool for systematically identifying and categorising trade secrets. The final paper presents a comprehensive approach to trade secret misappropriation mitigation, outlining a step-by-step process aligned with DC theory, incorporating findings from industry interviews and legal case studies. The key findings of this PhD research underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of trade secret management, necessitating the simultaneous application of RBV, DC, and KM theories.This study introduces a structured trade secret management process, emphasizing the strategic alignment between trade secret management and broader organizational goals. It advocates for the implementation of internal policies, employee training, and robust protection mechanisms. The research significantly contributes to academic literature and practical management by providing a comprehensive framework and process for trade secret management. It offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance trade secret protection and leverage these critical assets for sustained competitive advantage. The study also presents country-specific recommendations for the UK and enhances global understanding and practices of trade secret management. 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spelling 2025-05-30T13:01:59.7297275 v2 69596 2025-05-30 Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation 601b2249321951ead12f54ba88b37716 OLEKSANDRA OZCAN OLEKSANDRA OZCAN true false 2025-05-30 Trade secrets are critical assets for companies, providing a competitive edge by safeguarding valuable information and innovations. Unlike patents, however, trade secrets do not require public disclosure, enabling companies to maintain a competitive advantage by keeping critical information confidential. Rapid technological advancement and the increasing value of intangible assets means that effective trade secret management is, therefore, becoming ever more important for sustaining a firm's competitive position and fostering innovation. Simultaneously, however, comprehensive frameworks and processes for trade secret identification, protection, and misappropriation mitigation remain underexplored in the literature and practice. Consequently, this PhD research aims to address this gap and develop an in-depth understanding of trade secret management processes, examined through the lenses of Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities (DC), and Knowledge Management (KM) theories. This research combines qualitative methods across four distinct papers using a sequential mixed-methods approach. The first paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to develop a strategic framework for trade secret protection, integrating RBV and DC theories. The second paper explores trade secret management processes through a thematic analysis of 52 UK legal cases and five expert interviews. It highlights the importance of organisational awareness, employee commitment, and support from legal, IT, and HR departments. The third paper addresses the challenges of trade secret identification, proposing a UVRIP framework based on KM theory and providing a strategic tool for systematically identifying and categorising trade secrets. The final paper presents a comprehensive approach to trade secret misappropriation mitigation, outlining a step-by-step process aligned with DC theory, incorporating findings from industry interviews and legal case studies. The key findings of this PhD research underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of trade secret management, necessitating the simultaneous application of RBV, DC, and KM theories.This study introduces a structured trade secret management process, emphasizing the strategic alignment between trade secret management and broader organizational goals. It advocates for the implementation of internal policies, employee training, and robust protection mechanisms. The research significantly contributes to academic literature and practical management by providing a comprehensive framework and process for trade secret management. It offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance trade secret protection and leverage these critical assets for sustained competitive advantage. The study also presents country-specific recommendations for the UK and enhances global understanding and practices of trade secret management. In conclusion, this PhD research integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and provides actionable strategies for effective trade secret management, fostering more resilient and innovative business practices. E-Thesis Swansea, Wales, UK trade secret management, trade secret protection, trade secret misappropriation 16 5 2025 2025-05-16 10.23889/SUthesis.69596 COLLEGE NANME COLLEGE CODE Swansea University Pickernell David ; Bacon Emily Doctoral Ph.D 2025-05-30T13:01:59.7297275 2025-05-30T12:41:44.6629166 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences School of Management - Business Management OLEKSANDRA OZCAN 1 Under embargo Under embargo 2025-05-30T12:51:54.1441168 Output 5661012 application/pdf E-Thesis – open access true 2026-08-16T00:00:00.0000000 Copyright: The Author, Oleksandra Ozcan, 2025. true eng
title Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
spellingShingle Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
OLEKSANDRA OZCAN
title_short Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
title_full Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
title_fullStr Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
title_full_unstemmed Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
title_sort Optimising Trade Secret Management in the UK: Advanced Processes, Strategic Protection Practices and Mitigations for Information Misappropriation
author_id_str_mv 601b2249321951ead12f54ba88b37716
author_id_fullname_str_mv 601b2249321951ead12f54ba88b37716_***_OLEKSANDRA OZCAN
author OLEKSANDRA OZCAN
author2 OLEKSANDRA OZCAN
format E-Thesis
publishDate 2025
institution Swansea University
doi_str_mv 10.23889/SUthesis.69596
college_str Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
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hierarchy_top_id facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences
hierarchy_top_title Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
hierarchy_parent_id facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences
hierarchy_parent_title Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
department_str School of Management - Business Management{{{_:::_}}}Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences{{{_:::_}}}School of Management - Business Management
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description Trade secrets are critical assets for companies, providing a competitive edge by safeguarding valuable information and innovations. Unlike patents, however, trade secrets do not require public disclosure, enabling companies to maintain a competitive advantage by keeping critical information confidential. Rapid technological advancement and the increasing value of intangible assets means that effective trade secret management is, therefore, becoming ever more important for sustaining a firm's competitive position and fostering innovation. Simultaneously, however, comprehensive frameworks and processes for trade secret identification, protection, and misappropriation mitigation remain underexplored in the literature and practice. Consequently, this PhD research aims to address this gap and develop an in-depth understanding of trade secret management processes, examined through the lenses of Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities (DC), and Knowledge Management (KM) theories. This research combines qualitative methods across four distinct papers using a sequential mixed-methods approach. The first paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to develop a strategic framework for trade secret protection, integrating RBV and DC theories. The second paper explores trade secret management processes through a thematic analysis of 52 UK legal cases and five expert interviews. It highlights the importance of organisational awareness, employee commitment, and support from legal, IT, and HR departments. The third paper addresses the challenges of trade secret identification, proposing a UVRIP framework based on KM theory and providing a strategic tool for systematically identifying and categorising trade secrets. The final paper presents a comprehensive approach to trade secret misappropriation mitigation, outlining a step-by-step process aligned with DC theory, incorporating findings from industry interviews and legal case studies. The key findings of this PhD research underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of trade secret management, necessitating the simultaneous application of RBV, DC, and KM theories.This study introduces a structured trade secret management process, emphasizing the strategic alignment between trade secret management and broader organizational goals. It advocates for the implementation of internal policies, employee training, and robust protection mechanisms. The research significantly contributes to academic literature and practical management by providing a comprehensive framework and process for trade secret management. It offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance trade secret protection and leverage these critical assets for sustained competitive advantage. The study also presents country-specific recommendations for the UK and enhances global understanding and practices of trade secret management. In conclusion, this PhD research integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and provides actionable strategies for effective trade secret management, fostering more resilient and innovative business practices.
published_date 2025-05-16T17:57:45Z
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score 11.270385

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