Collaboration with External Organizations and Technological Innovations: Evidence from Spanish Manufacturing Firms

• Main Authors: Dragana Radicic, Jonathan Pinto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-04-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: availability of knowledge; accessibility of knowledge; technological innovation; Spain; dynamic probit model
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/9/2479

Based on the two knowledge dimensions of availability and accessibility, this study investigates the influence of cooperation with external organizations on technological, product, and process innovations. Using longitudinal data from Spanish manufacturing firms, we estimate dynamic random-effects probit models and thus take into account that technological innovations exhibit persistent behavior. We find that cooperation with suppliers and universities is positively associated with both product and process innovations. However, sectoral analysis according to technological intensity reveals that cooperation with suppliers increases the propensity to technological innovation in industries with a higher degree of technological intensity, while cooperation with universities increases the likelihood of innovation in industries with a lower degree of technological intensity. Moreover, empirical results indicate a high degree of true or genuine state dependence in both types of innovations. Based on these findings, we discuss the theoretical, managerial, and policy implications of the study.