Innovation investment and performance: the moderating role of university collaborations

Purpose Considering the historical evolution of innovation dynamics, and its paradoxical state, and answering Nelson (2008) and Winter (2014), this paper aims to analyze the dynamics of innovation within the context of the Evolutionary Economic Theory. Specifically, this study looks to unravel the moderating influence of university cooperation on the relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results. This study aims to provide valuable insights and evidence that can inform strategic decision-making for policymakers and businesses striving to foster innovation-driven economic growth in an ever-evolving global landscape. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative methodology adopted in this study involved harvesting data from the Latin American Innovation Survey (LAIS) database and cleaning it up using Python to ensure data integrity. Subsequently, SPSS, coupled with the PROCESS macro, was employed to conduct moderation analysis. This methodological approach enabled the examination of the intricate interplay between innovation expenditure, university cooperation and innovation outcomes within a large sample of firms, thereby easing a robust exploration of the hypothesis. Findings The research highlights the moderating role of university cooperation, showing that collaborative partnerships amplify the impact of innovation spending on innovation results, advancing the understanding of the impact of university-business collaborations. Additionally, the results revealed a positive relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results, underscoring the significance of R&D investments. Practical implications This study highlights the role of university-industry collaborations in enhancing innovation investment outcomes in Latin America. It suggests that managers should proactively engage with universities to access advanced research and foster a culture of innovation. These partnerships can significantly boost a firm's competitive edge and innovation success, marking them as crucial in the rapidly evolving economic environment. Originality/value The originality of the paper relies on bridging theoretical concepts from the Evolutionary Economic Theory framework with empirical insights of the moderating role of university cooperation. It addresses a theoretical gap, with a new methodology and offers insights into the complex relationship between universities, businesses and innovation in a constantly changing economic environment, making it clearer how these connections can help boost innovation in practical ways.