Title: Knowledge sources and innovative performance: evidence from Nigerian manufacturing firms

Authors: Omolayo B. Oluwatope; Adedamola David Adeyeye; Abiodun A. Egbetokun; Maruf Sanni; Folake S. Aremu; Willie O. Siyanbola

Addresses: National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), P.M.B. 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), P.M.B. 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), P.M.B. 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' School of Social Sciences, Pietermaritzburg Center, Private Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), P.M.B. 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), P.M.B. 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' Center for Energy Research and Development (CERD), P.M.B. 024, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: Using data from the 2008 innovation survey of Nigerian manufacturing firms, this paper assesses firms' search strategies and their relationship with innovative performance. Tobit regression was used to test the hypotheses regarding the relationships between breadth, depth, probable over-search of knowledge sources and innovative performance. The results reveal that firms depend more on information from market sources such as clients and suppliers for their innovation activities. It also shows that search depth, but not breadth is positively related to innovative performance. Beyond a certain threshold this relationship turns negative. We therefore suggest that Nigerian firms pursue a 'tunnel vision' approach to utilisation of information from external sources due largely to resource constraints. Hence, they must carefully select a few that will yield optimal performance; exploiting too many sources deeply is counter-productive.

Keywords: knowledge sources; innovative performance; depth; breadth; openness; Tobit regression; innovation survey; manufacturing industry; Nigeria; resource constraints.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2016.074826

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2016 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.209 - 224

Published online: 21 Feb 2016 *

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