Characterization of Companies Based on Willingness to Innovate and Competitiveness

Abstract

Companies, as agents of innovation systems, play a fundamental role in the innovative activity of economies. Nevertheless, the existence of barriers to innovation is becoming a low willingness to innovate by companies despite being an important element of competitiveness. These two perceptions are fundamental when deciding to innovate. It also influences the perception of government intervention to encourage innovation. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of Extremaduran companies based on perceptions they have about these two variables: willingness to innovate and assessing innovation as an essential element of competitiveness. Data come from an ad hoc questionnaire focused mainly on variables related to innovation. Obtained results show four profiles of companies based on these characteristics and these results permit to connect them to perceived obstacles to innovation and demanded public policies. The characterization of the companies may be useful for public policies design to stimulate innovation.