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A Text-Based Analysis of Corporate Innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Gustaf Bellstam

    (Facebook, Seattle, Washington 98109)

  • Sanjai Bhagat

    (Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309)

  • J. Anthony Cookson

    (Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309)

Abstract

We develop a new measure of innovation using the text of analyst reports of S&P 500 firms. Our text-based measure gives a useful description of innovation by firms with and without patenting and R&D (research and development). For nonpatenting firms, the measure identifies innovative firms that adopt novel technologies and innovative business practices (e.g., Walmart’s cross-geography logistics). For patenting firms, the text-based measure strongly correlates with valuable patents, which likely capture true innovation. The text-based measure robustly forecasts greater firm performance and growth opportunities for up to four years, and these value implications hold just as strongly for innovative nonpatenting firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustaf Bellstam & Sanjai Bhagat & J. Anthony Cookson, 2021. "A Text-Based Analysis of Corporate Innovation," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 67(7), pages 4004-4031, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:67:y:2021:i:7:p:4004-4031
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2020.3682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    9. Xu, Yong & Yuan, Ling & Khalfaoui, Rabeh & Radulescu, Magdalena & Mallek, Sabrine & Zhao, Xin, 2023. "Making technological innovation greener: Does firm digital transformation work?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
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    11. Fengler, Matthias & Phan, Minh Tri, 2023. "A Topic Model for 10-K Management Disclosures," Economics Working Paper Series 2307, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science.
    12. Yu, Degan & Wang, Cong & Cai, Guilong & Qiang, Haofan, 2024. "Local gambling attitudes and firms' financing strategies: New insights from the geographic structure in China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
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    14. Yang, Jinglan & Liu, Jianghuai & Yao, Zheng & Ma, Chaoqun, 2024. "Measuring digitalization capabilities using machine learning," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(PB).
    15. Tang, Wenjin & Bu, Hui & Zuo, Yuan & Wu, Junjie, 2024. "Unlocking the power of the topic content in news headlines: BERTopic for predicting Chinese corporate bond defaults," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 62(PA).
    16. Xiao, Zumian & Wang, Shuhan & Zhang, Yepeng & Si, Deng-Kui, 2023. "Power of competition: Unraveling the impact of China's fair competition review system implementation on firm innovation," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 1561-1581.
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