Product versus Process: Innovation Strategies of Multi-Product Firms

Arbeitspapier

This paper studies the innovation strategies of multi-product firms in industries with different scope for product differentiation. In a simple model of multi-product firms, we show that returns to product versus process innovation are industry-specific. Demand and cost linkages induce a natural distinction between the returns to product and process innovation. In highly differentiated industries, the cannibalization effect is lower and, therefore, firms invest more in product innovation. In homogeneous industries, firms internalize intra-firm spillover effects and invest more in process innovation. We test the predictions from the model using Brazilian firm-level data, with information on investment efforts over time. Following a major exchange rate devaluation, firms have better access to foreign markets and exploit economies of scale in innovation. However, detailed information on product and process innovation allows us to evaluate differential effects across industries. We con.rm the predictions from the theoretical model and show that the type of innovation depends on the industry scope for differentiation.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Munich Discussion Paper ; No. 2014-30

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation ; Empirical Studies of Trade ; Firm Performance: Size, Diversification, and Scope
• Subject: Multi-Product Firms ; Innovation ; Product Differentiation ; Cannibalization Effect ; Spillovers ; Globalization

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Flach, Lisandra ; Irlacher, Michael
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Volkswirtschaftliche Fakultät
• (where): München
• (when): 2014

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.5282/ubm/epub.21022
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/104440
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-epub-21022-6
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:41 AM CET