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The role of internationalization in explaining innovation performance

Kafouros, Mario I., Buckley, Peter J., Sharp, John A., Wang, Chengqi (2008) The role of internationalization in explaining innovation performance. Technovation, 28 (1-2). pp. 63-74. ISSN 0166-4972. (doi:10.1016/j.technovation.2007.07.009) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:15732)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2007.07.0...

Abstract

Although it has been suggested that innovation has significant consequences for a firm's economic performance, the past empirical findings are mixed, not always confirming this proposition. Extending previous research, this study demonstrates that the reason for previously conflicting results may be an incomplete understanding of the factors influencing the innovation-performance relationship. We argue that not all firms can reap rewards from innovation. Rather, we suggest that firms need to have a sufficient degree of internationalization, i.e. be active in many markets, to capture successfully the fruits of innovation. Initially, the study offers a theoretical framework that explains how and why a higher degree of internationalization, by affecting both innovative capacity and a number of appropriability factors, influences the effects of innovation. Then, utilizing firm-level data, the study empirically tests this proposition. The results confirm that internationalization enhances a firm's capacity to improve performance through innovation. However, they also show that firms are unable to benefit from innovation if their international activity is below a threshold level.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.technovation.2007.07.009
Uncontrolled keywords: returns to innovation; internationalization; R&D; firm performance
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Kent Business School (do not use)
Depositing User: Jane Griffiths
Date Deposited: 22 Apr 2009 11:30 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:53 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/15732 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sharp, John A..

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