Abstract

TAMAYO, Juan A; ROMERO, José E; GAMERO, Javier  and  MARTINEZ-ROMAN, Juan A. Do Innovation and Cooperation Influence SMEs' Competitiveness? Evidence From the Andalusian Metal-Mechanic Sector. Innovar [online]. 2015, vol.25, n.55, pp.101-115. ISSN 0121-5051.  https://doi.org/10.15446/innovar.v25n55.47226.

This study's main objective is to determine the influence of innovation and cooperation on the competitiveness of SMEs in the metal-mechanic sector of Andalusia (Spain). Using information obtained by interviewing managers of a sample of 80 firms, we proposed a model of structural equations based on the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. This model, which explained 37% of the variability of competitiveness, also allowed us to test hypotheses about the positive influence of quality management, knowledge, financial resources and cooperation on innovative outcomes. Along with the contrasted hypotheses, the most noteworthy finding was that cooperation does not significantly influence the innovative outcomes of firms in this sector.

Keywords : Competitiveness; innovation; cooperation; quality management; knowledge; SMEs; Andalusia (Spain).

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