Factores determinantes de la innovación: evidencia en las pymes y grandes empresas del Ecuador, para el periodo 2009-2011

Abstract

This research investigates the determinants of innovation in SMEs and large enterprises of Ecuador through the “CDM” model that includes all the innovation process. This relates the innovative effort with innovation and this one with enterprises' productivity. Besides, the model has the feature to correct selectivity and simultaneity biases. Also, it takes into account the endogeneity because spending on innovation activities is endogenous in the equation of innovation and innovation is endogenous in the production equation. This research uses data from the survey of innovation activities 2009-2011, collected by the INEC. Econometric model results generally suggest that factors such as spending on innovation activities, formal protection methods, and the size of the enterprise; positively affect innovation product and/or process innovation. Besides, we have found individual factors for each type of innovation. That is to say, the methods of strategic protection, the aim to improve the quality of goods and services, sources of information from customers-consumers and competitors only affect product innovation. While the aim health-safety and fixed capital investment per employee encourages the innovation process. Interesting results were also found in the extension of the model, which take care of non-technological innovations. Among the remarkable, there is the importance of R&D on these types of innovations.