MECHANISMS OF LEARNING AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: THE RELEVANCE OF KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND CREATIVITY FOR NON-TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

This paper examines the role of several learning mechanisms for innovation performance, particularly their relevance for different types of innovation. Although the innovation drivers have been extensively discussed in the literature, more evidence is needed to verify that specific innovation outputs rely on specific knowledge sources. Based on the European Innobarometer Survey 2009, the empirical analysis reveals different profiles among innovating firms. Non-technological innovators, in particular firms highly intensive in organizational innovation, show a high propensity to perform knowledge sharing practices, to introduce knowledge management systems and to apply alternative mechanisms to promote creative ideas. The findings also prove a strong connection between product and process innovation, R&D activities and cooperation with scientific partners. The analysis concludes that firms with highest probabilities of engagement in learning mechanisms show the highest innovative performance. Moreover, the most innovative firms are characterized by the combination of different learning initiatives.