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Innovation, profitability and growth in medium and high-tech manufacturing industries: evidence from Italy

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  • Claudio Cozza
  • Franco Malerba
  • Maria Luisa Mancusi
  • Giulio Perani
  • Andrea Vezzulli

Abstract

The main goal of this article is to assess the impact of product innovation on the economic performance of firms operating in Medium and High-Tech (M&HT) industries. Using information from a large and unique dataset on Italian firms we estimate, by means of Propensity Score (PS) matching methods, a positive and significant ‘innovation premium’ both in terms of profitability and growth (in the short-run) for those firms who introduced new innovative products. We also find that this innovation premium is particularly large for small firms and even more so when considering new established firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudio Cozza & Franco Malerba & Maria Luisa Mancusi & Giulio Perani & Andrea Vezzulli, 2012. "Innovation, profitability and growth in medium and high-tech manufacturing industries: evidence from Italy," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(15), pages 1963-1976, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:44:y:2012:i:15:p:1963-1976
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2011.556594
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    13. Doran, Justin & Ryan, Geraldine, 2019. "Does nanotechnology research generate an innovation premium over other types of research? Evidence from Ireland," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
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    16. Eggert, Andreas & Thiesbrummel, Christoph & Deutscher, Christian, 2014. "Differential effects of product and service innovations on the financial performance of industrial firms," jbm - Journal of Business Market Management, Free University Berlin, Marketing Department, vol. 7(3), pages 380-405.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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