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Innovation and service outsourcing: an empirical analysis based on data from Tunisian firms

Author

Listed:
  • Hanen Sdiri

    (UAQUAP-Tunis Higher Institute of Management)

  • Mohamed Ayadi

    (UAQUAP-Tunis Higher Institute of Management)

Abstract

Recently, outsourcing services has been an important component of the organizational strategy of service firms. However, most research studies mainly focus on analyzing the determining factors of outsourcing at the expense of its structural effects. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which outsourcing relationships can be a source of service innovation by using a sample of 108 Tunisian service firms. Specifically, we are interested in the domestic outsourcing of auxiliary activities. Our results support the evidence of positive effects of outsourcing service activities on the capacity of innovation. This suggests that outsourcing allows Tunisian service firms to create value, increase flexibility and improve the quality of their services.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanen Sdiri & Mohamed Ayadi, 2016. "Innovation and service outsourcing: an empirical analysis based on data from Tunisian firms," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:5:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-016-0050-z
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-016-0050-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation; Outsourcing; Services sector;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • L80 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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