The Role of Design in Firms’ Innovation Activity: A Micro Level Analysis

29 Pages Posted: 11 Jun 2010

See all articles by Andrea Filippetti

Andrea Filippetti

Italian National Research Council (CNR-ISSIRFA); London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE); University of London - Birkbeck College

Date Written: June 10, 2010

Abstract

The empirical literature investigating the issue of the heterogeneity across firms has proposed the concept of innovation modes. This aims at grouping firms depending on a number of innovation characteristics. The role of design as a source of innovation has been largely disregarded. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap as it i. seeks to identify the main characteristics of firms which rely on design for their innovations; ii. aims to bring the role of design within the framework provided by the literature on the innovation modes of firms. Design activity is predominant in firms characterized by: i. complex innovation strategy, and ii. intense interaction with the external environment. Investment in design it is associated with higher performance of the firm.

Suggested Citation

Filippetti, Andrea, The Role of Design in Firms’ Innovation Activity: A Micro Level Analysis (June 10, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1623345 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1623345

Andrea Filippetti (Contact Author)

Italian National Research Council (CNR-ISSIRFA) ( email )

Via dei Taurini, 19
00185 Rome
Italy

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) ( email )

Houghton Street
London, WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom

University of London - Birkbeck College ( email )

Malet Street
London, WC1E 7HX
United Kingdom

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