Innovation Success of Non-R&D-Performers: Substituting Technology by Management in SMEs

Arbeitspapier

This paper investigates the impact of in-house R&D and innovation management practices on innovation success in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs). While there is little doubt about the significance of technology competence for generating successful innovations, inhouse R&D activities may be a particular challenge for SMEs due to high risk exposure, high fixed costs, high minimum investment and severe financial constraints. SMEs may thus opt for refraining from R&D and relying more on innovation management tools in order to achieve innovation success. We analyse whether such a strategy can pay off. Based on data from the German CIS we find that R&D activities are a main driver for innovation success if combined with external R&D, using external innovation sources or by entering into cooperation agreements. SMEs without in-house R&D can yield a similar innovation success if they effectively apply human resource management tools or team work to facilitate innovation processes.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ZEW Discussion Papers ; No. 08-092

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Firm Performance: Size, Diversification, and Scope ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; Management of Technological Innovation and R&D ; Technological Change: Government Policy ; Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
• Subject: Innovation Success ; R&D ; Innovation Management ; SMEs ; Klein- und Mittelunternehmen ; Innovationsmanagement ; Industrielle Forschung ; Forschungskooperation ; Erfolgsfaktor ; Deutschland

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Spielkamp, Alfred ; Czarnitzki, Dirk ; Rammer, Christian
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW)
• (where): Mannheim
• (when): 2008

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/27569
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET