Firms without research and development (R&D) have frequently been neglected by mainstream innovation research. The small number of existing studies provides only fragmented and sometimes even contradictory findings, because they assume that non-R&D-performing firms show a typical, homogeneous innovation pattern. Oliver Som challenges this assumption. Based on current firm-level data of the German industry, he provides pioneer quantitative evidence of five heterogeneous innovation patterns of non-R&D-performers. The findings impressively underline the need for future innovation research, -management and -policy to extend their view on innovation beyond the scope of R&D.

An evolutionary Approach to heterogeneity in Firms Innovation Strategies

Autorentext

Dr. rer. pol. Oliver Som obtained his PhD at the University of Flensburg, professorship for innovation research and management, Prof. Dr. Carsten Dreher. He is working as senior researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research in Karlsruhe.

Klappentext

Firms without research and development (R&D) have frequently been neglected by mainstream innovation research. The small number of existing studies provides only fragmented and sometimes even contradictory findings, because they assume that non-R&D-performing firms show a typical, homogeneous innovation pattern. Oliver Som challenges this assumption. Based on current firm-level data of the German industry, he provides pioneer quantitative evidence of five heterogeneous innovation patterns of non-R&D-performers. The findings impressively underline the need for future innovation research, -management and -policy to extend their view on innovation beyond the scope of R&D.

Inhalt

From the R&D paradigm to a systemic innovation approach**

Evolutionary economic theory and the heterogeneity of firms**

Five innovation patterns of non-R&D-firms based on the use of different innovation resources**

Interpretation of results from the perspectives of research, management and policy**