This study examines the influence of external sources of knowledge on innovation in a sample of Spanish manufacturing firms during the period 2002–2015. By differentiating firms according to their family status, our results reveal that the probability of engaging in product and process innovations is higher for family-managed firms involved in R&D cooperation with a varied group of partners. Additionally, our findings provide support for the role of R&D-oriented family-managed firms in easing the flow of knowledge and information for innovation at regional level (i.e. family-managed firm-led knowledge spillovers). Because of their unique social capital and embeddedness in the local setting, family-managed firms contribute to creating a favorable regional environment for innovation for all co-located firms. However, this result holds only when the geographical concentration of R&D-oriented family-managed firms is coupled with technological proximity. Theoretical, policy and managerial implications are discussed.
Family-managed Firms, External Sources of Knowledge and innovation
Fernanda Ricotta;
2022-01-01
Abstract
This study examines the influence of external sources of knowledge on innovation in a sample of Spanish manufacturing firms during the period 2002–2015. By differentiating firms according to their family status, our results reveal that the probability of engaging in product and process innovations is higher for family-managed firms involved in R&D cooperation with a varied group of partners. Additionally, our findings provide support for the role of R&D-oriented family-managed firms in easing the flow of knowledge and information for innovation at regional level (i.e. family-managed firm-led knowledge spillovers). Because of their unique social capital and embeddedness in the local setting, family-managed firms contribute to creating a favorable regional environment for innovation for all co-located firms. However, this result holds only when the geographical concentration of R&D-oriented family-managed firms is coupled with technological proximity. Theoretical, policy and managerial implications are discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
