Absorptive capacity and innovative performance: A human capital approach

Author: Lund Vinding, Anker

Source: Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Volume 15, Numbers 4-5, -5/June/July 2006 , pp. 507-517(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This study investigates the importance of human capital on the firms' absorptive capacity, in relation to firms' innovative performance. The estimation of an ordered probit model including 1544 firms from the manufacturing and service industry in Denmark shows that the share of highly educated employees, application of human resource management practices within the firm and development of a closer relationship with both vertically related actors and knowledge institutions are not only positively correlated with the ability to innovate but also negatively correlated with the degree of innovative imitation. Finally, work experience among managers, heads of departments and employees at the managerial level is negatively associated with the ability to innovate for science-based and ICT-intensive firms, thus indicating the importance of updating the skills of the employees in these high-tech sectors.

Keywords: Cooperation; Education; Human resource management practices; Work experience; Innovative performance

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10438590500513057

Affiliations: 1: Department of Business Studies, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 4, Aalborg, DK-9220, Denmark

Publication date: 2006-06-01

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