IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/taf/eurpls/v29y2021i4p779-805.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Combinatorial innovation modes in SMEs: mechanisms integrating STI processes into DUI mode learning and the role of regional innovation policy

Author

Listed:
  • Harm Alhusen
  • Tatjana Bennat

Abstract

Innovation processes comprise interactive learning mechanisms by combining different knowledge sources. Using a set of 80 exploratory interviews with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional innovation consultants, this paper analyzes the mechanisms through which firms combine an STI (science-technology – innovation) and DUI (learning-by-doing, -using and -interacting) mode of innovation. We show that the innovation mode concept ought to be applied as a continuum of combinations. Thus, SMEs integrate STI-based knowledge into DUI-routines through mechanisms with varying levels of complexity. The described mechanisms differ with respect to their effects on innovativeness, the required absorptive capacities, and costs incurred. Depending on the level of integration, cognitive, organizational and financial barriers impede a combination of innovation modes. At this point, regional innovation consultants can affect a successful combination. We derive implications for innovation policy regarding absorptive capacities in SMEs, showing that policy support extends beyond financial services.

Suggested Citation

  • Harm Alhusen & Tatjana Bennat, 2021. "Combinatorial innovation modes in SMEs: mechanisms integrating STI processes into DUI mode learning and the role of regional innovation policy," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 779-805, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurpls:v:29:y:2021:i:4:p:779-805
    DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2020.1786009
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/09654313.2020.1786009
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1080/09654313.2020.1786009?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Beynon, Malcolm & Pickernell, David & Battisti, Martina & Jones, Paul, 2024. "A panel fsQCA investigation on European regional innovation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    2. Radicic, Dragana & Petković, Saša, 2023. "Impact of digitalization on technological innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    3. Thomä, Jörg & Bischoff, Thore S., 2022. "From automation to databased business models - digitalization and its links to innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises," ifh Working Papers 31/2022, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh), revised 2022.
    4. Runst, Petrik & Thomä, Jörg, 2024. "The R&D Risk-Return Trade-Off: Exploring the Diversity of Young Innovative Firms," ifh Working Papers 43/2024, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    5. Reher, Leonie & Runst, Petrik & Thomä, Jörg & Bizer, Kilian, 2024. "Measuring non-R&D drivers of innovation: The case of SMEs in lagging regions," ifh Working Papers 45/2024, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    6. Silje Haus-Reve & Rune Dahl Fitjar & Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, 2023. "DUI it yourself: Innovation and activities to promote learning by doing, using, and interacting within the firm," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(8), pages 1008-1028, September.
    7. Simms, Christopher & Frishammar, Johan, 2024. "Technology transfer challenges in asymmetric alliances between high-technology and low-technology firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(3).
    8. Matthies, Eike & Thomä, Jörg & Bizer, Kilian, 2022. "A hidden source of innovation? Revisiting the impact of initial vocational training on technological innovation," ifh Working Papers 33/2022, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh), revised 2022.
    9. Runst, Petrik & Thomä, Jörg, 2023. "Innovations- und Wachstumspfade junger Unternehmen," ifh Forschungsberichte 21, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    10. Parrilli, M. Davide & Balavac-Orlić, Merima & Radicic, Dragana, 2023. "Environmental innovation across SMEs in Europe," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    11. Hädrich, Tobias & Reher, Leonie & Thomä, Jörg, 2023. "Solving the puzzle? An innovation mode perspective on lagging regions," ifh Working Papers 42/2023, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:taf:eurpls:v:29:y:2021:i:4:p:779-805. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Chris Longhurst (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.tandfonline.com/CEPS20 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.