| By: |
Zeting LIU (Lab.RII, ULCO/Clersé-UMR8019, Université Lille Nord de France, RRI);
Blandine LAPERCHE (Lab.RII, ULCO/Clersé-UMR8019, Université Lille Nord de France, RRI) |
| Abstract: |
This paper focuses on French SMEs and studies their main characteristics
regarding knowledge-capital formation and valorisation. We put forward what we
may call a “French Paradox”, expressed by a quite important effort in terms of
R&D investments and poor results in terms of innovation as measured by
traditional indicators (patents). How can we explain this paradox? To answer
this question, we study their strategy of knowledge-capital building (through
absorptive capacity and open innovation) and valorisation (the way they
transform their accumulated knowledge into innovations). We show that apart
from the structural characteristics of SMEs (forms of innovation, use of IPRs,
etc.), one important reason to their weak performances in terms of innovation
lies in their integration within innovation networks dominated by large
companies. The valorisation of SMEs’ knowledge capital (through patents and
the diffusion of innovations) is thus not always achieved by the SMEs
themselves but by the larger company, enriched by the specific knowledge of
these SMEs. |
| Keywords: |
Knowledge-capital, absorptive capacity, open innovation, SMEs, France |
| JEL: |
O31 O34 L11 |
| Date: |
2014 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rii:rridoc:39&r=knm |