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Interactive learning and firm-level capabilities in latecomer settings: The Nigerian manufacturing industry

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  • Egbetokun, Abiodun A.

Abstract

Combining insight from strategic management, evolutionary economics and latecomer capability literatures, this paper analyses the relationship between interactive learning and capabilities in a sample of Nigerian manufacturing firms. A distinction is made between formal and informal modes of interactive learning. Results from multivariate probit estimations show that both modes are positively associated with firm-level capabilities but informal interactions dominate. These results have some implications for policy and practice. Firms may become more capable of innovating if they connect with externally-generated knowledge. However, the apparent difference in importance of formal and informal linkages suggests that the choice of how and when to form linkages is non-trivial. It also suggests the need for broad-based policies to nurture both types of linkages.

Suggested Citation

  • Egbetokun, Abiodun A., 2015. "Interactive learning and firm-level capabilities in latecomer settings: The Nigerian manufacturing industry," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 231-241.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:99:y:2015:i:c:p:231-241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2015.06.040
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    2. Achcaoucaou, Fariza & Miravitlles, Paloma & León-Darder, Fidel, 2017. "Do we really know the predictors of competence-creating R&D subsidiaries? Uncovering the mediation of dual network embeddedness," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 181-195.
    3. Mendi, Pedro & Mudida, Robert, 2018. "The effect on innovation of beginning informal: Empirical evidence from Kenya," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 326-335.
    4. Nelson Casimiro Zavale & Patrício Vitorino Langa, 2018. "University-industry linkages’ literature on Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic literature review and bibliometric account," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 116(1), pages 1-49, July.
    5. Lee, Young Hoon & Kim, YoungJun, 2016. "Analyzing interaction in R&D networks using the Triple Helix method: Evidence from industrial R&D programs in Korean government," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 93-105.
    6. Medase, Kehinde, 2019. "The Impact of the Heterogeneity of Employees’ Qualifications on Firm-level Innovation Evidence from Nigerian Firms," VfS Annual Conference 2019 (Leipzig): 30 Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall - Democracy and Market Economy 203563, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    7. Sheshadri Chatterjee & Ranjan Chaudhuri & Antonino Galati & Demetris Vrontis, 2021. "Adoption of Ubiquitous CRM for Operational Sustainability of the Firms: Moderating Role of Technology Turbulence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-18, September.
    8. Littlewood, David C. & Kiyumbu, Wilkister L., 2018. "“Hub” organisations in Kenya: What are they? What do they do? And what is their potential?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 276-285.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capabilities; Innovation; Technological learning; Formal and informal interactions; Nigeria;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General

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