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Measuring the DUI mode of innovation efficiently: A short-scale approach

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  • Reher, Leonie
  • Thomä, Jörg
  • Bizer, Kilian

Abstract

This paper advances the empirical measurement of the Doing-Using-Interacting (DUI) mode of innovation, based on the conceptual framework of Alhusen et al. (2021) and its survey-based operationalization of Reher et al. (2024b). Using data from German SMEs, we examine whether the three-dimensional structure of DUI learning theorized in the literature can be mirrored empirically. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirms this latent structure by identifying three main learning processes: (1) DUI internal (learning-by-doing and internal interaction), (2) DUI user-driven (learning-by-using), and (3) DUI external (learning-by-externalinteraction). However, some factor loadings are problematic, suggesting that not all of the original indicators are suitable for measuring the DUI mode of innovation. Secondly, building on the latent structure identified through EFA, short scales of various lengths are developed using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) to address practical constraints in innovation surveys. This provides a starting point for the further development of DUI innovation indicators that are particularly suited to less RD-intensive innovation contexts, such as small firms, low-tech sectors, and lagging regions, as well as corresponding short scales.

Suggested Citation

  • Reher, Leonie & Thomä, Jörg & Bizer, Kilian, 2025. "Measuring the DUI mode of innovation efficiently: A short-scale approach," ifh Working Papers 48/2025, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifhwps:321860
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniela M. Santos & Sara M. Gonçalves & Manuel Laranja, 2022. "Drivers, Processes, and Outcomes of the STI and DUI Modes of Innovation: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 19(03), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Hervás-Oliver, José-Luis & Parrilli, Mario Davide & Rodríguez-Pose, Andrés & Sempere-Ripoll, Francisca, 2021. "The drivers of SME innovation in the regions of the EU," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(9).
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Ulrich Schroeders & Oliver Wilhelm & Gabriel Olaru, 2016. "Meta-Heuristics in Short Scale Construction: Ant Colony Optimization and Genetic Algorithm," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, November.
    6. Doloreux, David & Shearmur, Richard, 2023. "Does location matter? STI and DUI innovation modes in different geographic settings," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    7. Parrilli, M. Davide & Balavac-Orlić, Merima & Radicic, Dragana, 2023. "Environmental innovation across SMEs in Europe," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    8. Fred Gault (ed.), 2013. "Handbook of Innovation Indicators and Measurement," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 14427, June.
    9. Parrilli, Mario Davide & Alcalde Heras, Henar, 2016. "STI and DUI innovation modes: Scientific-technological and context-specific nuances," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(4), pages 747-756.
    10. Thomä, Jörg, 2017. "DUI mode learning and barriers to innovation - the case of Germany," ifh Working Papers 7 (2017), Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    11. Alhusen, Harm & Bennat, Tatjana & Bizer, Kilian & Cantner, Uwe & Horstmann, Elaine & Kalthaus, Martin & Proeger, Till & Sternberg, Rolf & Töpfer, Stefan, 2021. "A New Measurement Conception for the ‘Doing-Using-Interacting’ Mode of Innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(4).
    12. Reher, Leonie & Runst, Petrik & Thomä, Jörg, 2024. "Personality and regional innovativeness: An empirical analysis of German patent data," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    13. Doloreux, David & Shearmur, Richard & St-Pierre, Laurie-Anne, 2024. "Innovation modes and knowledge interactions: A micro-geographic approach," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    14. Harm Alhusen & Tatjana Bennat, 2021. "Combinatorial innovation modes in SMEs: mechanisms integrating STI processes into DUI mode learning and the role of regional innovation policy," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 779-805, April.
    15. Mario Davide Parrilli & Dragana Radicic, 2021. "STI and DUI innovation modes in micro-, small-, medium- and large-sized firms: distinctive patterns across Europe and the U.S," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(2), pages 346-368, February.
    16. Thomä, Jörg, 2017. "DUI mode learning and barriers to innovation—A case from Germany," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(7), pages 1327-1339.
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    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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