Hidden innovators: the role of non-R&D activities
- 21 March 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Technology Analysis & Strategic Management
- Vol. 23 (4), 415-432
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2011.558400
Abstract
Although R&D has been highlighted as the main source of firm-level innovations, a significant group of firms develop innovations without performing R&D activities. The primary goal of this study is to understand the sources of innovation in such firms. To accomplish this goal, we explore the role played by other, non-R&D activities that can lead to innovation – activities such as technology forecasting, design, use of advanced manufacturing technologies and training. Our empirical analysis is based on a representative panel of Spanish manufacturing firms. The results strongly support the view that non-R&D activities are critical factors in explaining both product and process innovations attained by any firm, especially in the case of firms not performing R&D. Academic, managerial, and policy implications are derived from these results.Keywords
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