TECHNOLOGICAL REGIME, INNOVATION ENVIRONMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

Abstract

This paper aims to identify and analyze the influence of the technological regime (MALERBA; ORSENIGO, 1993) and innovation environment (MALERBA, 2002; LUNDVALL, 1992) on the innovative profile, defined by the technological strategies adopted (FREEMAN; SOETE, 1997), and entrepreneurial performance, measured in relation to innovations generated as well as economic indicators (assets, net revenue and number of employees). Using statistical multivariate analysis, constructs related to each one of the analyzed variables were tested and the correlations among these constructs were examined. it was demonstrated that the Technological Regime construct, which is based on four dimensions (opportunity, appropriability, cumulativity and knowledge base), has a high correlation with the "innovative profile" construct, except for the "knowledge base" dimension. In the Innovation Environment construct, the indicators of cooperation and other institutions showed a high correlation with the "innovative profile". This profile, in its turn, showed a strong correlation with the constructs of innovation and economic performance. In theory and in practice, the present study suggests that the technological environment favours innovation in this sector and that companies that carry out innovation activities are capable of achieving positive, innovative, correlated economic performances.