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Interactive learning — The key to innovation in non-R&D-intensive SMEs? A cluster analysis approach

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  • Jörg Thomä
  • Volker Zimmermann

Abstract

Various groups of innovating German small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are identified according to their use (or nonuse) of in-house research and development (R&D), their reliance on external sources of knowledge, and the degree of interactive learning within the firm that they employ. Our findings confirm that SMEs can compensate for a lack of R&D by placing a strong emphasis on internal and external interactive learning, at least to some degree. Another observation is that each learning mode is likely to positively affect company performance. Hence, in large parts of the SME sector, it is economically rational to follow a non-R&D-oriented mode of learning and innovation. The article concludes with some policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Jörg Thomä & Volker Zimmermann, 2020. "Interactive learning — The key to innovation in non-R&D-intensive SMEs? A cluster analysis approach," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(4), pages 747-776, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ujbmxx:v:58:y:2020:i:4:p:747-776
    DOI: 10.1080/00472778.2019.1671702
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    Cited by:

    1. Radicic, Dragana & Petković, Saša, 2023. "Impact of digitalization on technological innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    2. Kostadinović Ivana & Jovanović Violeta & Stanković Sunčica, 2023. "Do Industrial Clusters Contribute to Organizations’ Innovation Performance? Path Analysis," Economic Themes, Sciendo, vol. 61(3), pages 387-406, September.
    3. Silje Haus-Reve & Rune Dahl Fitjar & Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, 2023. "DUI it yourself: Innovation and activities to promote learning by doing, using, and interacting within the firm," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(8), pages 1008-1028, September.
    4. Weidner, Nadia & Som, Oliver & Horvat, Djerdj, 2023. "An integrated conceptual framework for analysing heterogeneous configurations of absorptive capacity in manufacturing firms with the DUI innovation mode," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    5. Doloreux, David & Shearmur, Richard, 2023. "Does location matter? STI and DUI innovation modes in different geographic settings," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    6. Parrilli, M. Davide & Balavac-Orlić, Merima & Radicic, Dragana, 2023. "Environmental innovation across SMEs in Europe," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    7. Hädrich, Tobias & Reher, Leonie & Thomä, Jörg, 2023. "Solving the puzzle? An innovation mode perspective on lagging regions," ifh Working Papers 42/2023, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).

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