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Exploring innovation success recipes in low-technology firms using fuzzy-set QCA

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  • Reichert, Fernanda Maciel
  • Torugsa, Nuttaneeya (Ann)
  • Zawislak, Paulo Antonio
  • Arundel, Anthony

Abstract

This study explores the configurations of innovation capabilities (“recipes”) that enable firms in low-technology industries (“low-tech firms”) to achieve high innovative performance. Using a sample of 614 Brazilian low-tech firms, the study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to identify how the four capabilities – development, operations, management and transaction – combine to produce high innovative performance. The analyses identify two recipes for innovation success, both of which include high levels of development and transaction capabilities. However, these two capabilities (while necessary) are not sufficient for achieving high innovative performance: they are meaningful only when combined with either a management or an operations capability. The study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of innovation in low-tech industries by showing that low-tech firms, even with limited research and development capacities, can successfully innovate when they develop and use an appropriate set of capabilities. The study results should help managers uncover potential ways of combining capabilities for innovation success and suggest that low-tech firms could benefit from policy support and training to develop such capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Reichert, Fernanda Maciel & Torugsa, Nuttaneeya (Ann) & Zawislak, Paulo Antonio & Arundel, Anthony, 2016. "Exploring innovation success recipes in low-technology firms using fuzzy-set QCA," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(11), pages 5437-5441.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:69:y:2016:i:11:p:5437-5441
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.04.151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul L. Robertson & Keith Smith, 2008. "Distributed Knowledge Bases in Low- and Medium-Technology Industries," Chapters, in: Hartmut Hirsch-Kreinsen & David Jacobson (ed.), Innovation in Low-Tech Firms and Industries, chapter 6, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Lall, Sanjaya, 1992. "Technological capabilities and industrialization," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 20(2), pages 165-186, February.
    3. Tello-Gamarra, Jorge & Zawislak, Paulo Antônio, 2013. "Transactional capability: Innovation’s missing link," Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, Universidad ESAN, vol. 18(34), pages 2-8.
    4. Heidenreich, Martin, 2009. "Innovation patterns and location of European low- and medium-technology industries," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 483-494, April.
    5. Robertson, Paul & Smith, Keith & von Tunzelmann, Nick, 2009. "Innovation in low- and medium-technology industries," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 441-446, April.
    6. Kirner, Eva & Kinkel, Steffen & Jaeger, Angela, 2009. "Innovation paths and the innovation performance of low-technology firms--An empirical analysis of German industry," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 447-458, April.
    7. Nuttaneeya (Ann) Torugsa & Anthony Arundel, 2013. "Private–Public Collaboration And Innovation Performance: Does Training Matter?," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(03), pages 1-20.
    8. Huang, Can & Arundel, Anthony & Hollanders, Hugo, 2010. "How Firms Innovate: R&D, Non-R&D, and Technology Adoption," MERIT Working Papers 2010-027, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    9. Katharina Mattes & Christoph Zanker & Oliver Som, 2015. "Managing Innovation in Non-R&D-Intensive Firms," Springer Books, in: Oliver Som & Eva Kirner (ed.), Low-tech Innovation, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 165-197, Springer.
    10. Hartmut Hirsch-Kreinsen & David Jacobson (ed.), 2008. "Innovation in Low-Tech Firms and Industries," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 13088.
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    Cited by:

    1. Piotr Dzikowski, 2022. "Product and process innovation patterns in Polish low and high technology systems," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 17(3), pages 747-773, September.
    2. Gligor, David & Russo, Ivan & Maloni, Michael J., 2022. "Understanding gender differences in logistics innovation: A complexity theory perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    3. Nascimento, Leandro da Silva & Zawislak, Paulo Antônio, 2023. "Towards a theory of Capability-Based Transactions: Bounded innovation capabilities, commercialization, cooperation, and complementarity," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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