DETERMINANTS OF PROFICIENCY IN UNDERLYING PROCESSES OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Most empirical studies on the identification of determinants of innovation deal with innovation without descending to the level of its underlying processes. The objective of this study is twofold: to identify determinants of proficiencies in these processes, and to measure the impact of the main determinants on the proficiencies. The data used originated mainly from three surveys conducted in the Brazilian state of Paraná. We built ordered probit econometric models for the proficiencies, with explanatory variables related to contextual and internal factors of the firms. The main determinants identified were the organisational structure and assignment of responsibility for innovation, the technological standing of the firm, and the number of certifications (quality, environmental, and others) held. We found a negative association, much to our surprise, between the use of government incentives and the proficiencies in intellectual property management and in technology monitoring and forecasting.