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Impact de la qualité du capital humain sur la capacité d’innovation des PME : application sur un pays en développement
[Impact of quality of human capital on the innovation capacity of SMEs: application to a developing country]

Author

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  • TEKAM OUMBE, Honoré
  • PILAG KAKEU, Charles Bertin
  • Miamo Wendji, Clovis

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of the quality of human capital on the innovation capacity of SMEs. The empirical analysis consisted of constructing a human capital indicator based on the main correspondence factor analysis. The data analysis based on a sample of 512 SMEs located in the cities of Douala, Yaoundé and Bafoussam. The results of the logistic regression show that SMEs that employ highly educated managers are more likely to innovate. However, this assumption nuanced with respect to product innovations. On the other hand, the training of managers on the job does not influence their ability to innovate. These results question the relevance of current policies for the creation and development of SMEs and suggest the importance of placing a particular emphasis on the quality of human capital as a vector of innovation. They also challenge public decision-makers on the need to initiate training programs and upgrade the skills of SME managers on new managerial practices.

Suggested Citation

  • TEKAM OUMBE, Honoré & PILAG KAKEU, Charles Bertin & Miamo Wendji, Clovis, 2019. "Impact de la qualité du capital humain sur la capacité d’innovation des PME : application sur un pays en développement [Impact of quality of human capital on the innovation capacity of SMEs: applic," MPRA Paper 92380, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:92380
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    innovation; quality of human capital; SMEs; training; technological skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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