Title: Cooperation in innovation practices among firms in Portugal: do external partners stimulate innovative advances?

Authors: Maria Jose Silva, Joao Leitao

Addresses: Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV, 6200–209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV, 6200–209 Covilha, Portugal

Abstract: This paper analyses whether the entrepreneurial innovation capability of firms is stimulated through the relationship established with external partners. The literature review on innovation makes use of two approaches: (1) systemic and (2) networks and interorganisational relationships. The theoretical approach developed supports the basic idea that innovation is an evolutionary, nonlinear and interactive process established between the firm and the environment. Together with the firm|s assets, a wide range of agents contribute towards acquiring external resources, knowledge and information essential for developing productive and innovative activities. The database was obtained through the Community Innovation Survey II (CIS II) coordinated by EUROSTAT. Relationships with science partners have a crucial role in promoting cooperation in innovative practices and stimulate the propensity to make advances at the level of product innovation.

Keywords: networks; entrepreneurial innovation capability; Portugal; entrepreneurship; external partners; product innovation; cooperation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2009.023357

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2009 Vol.7 No.4, pp.391 - 403

Published online: 20 Feb 2009 *

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