SMEs´ absorptive capacities and large firms´ knowledge spillovers: Micro evidence from Mexico

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between large firms´ knowledge spillovers and small and medium enterprises absorptive capacities. We build ad-hoc indicators for these two concepts following a factor analysis methodology, and we carry out a structural equations analysis to determine the relationship between them. Based on firm level original data from a survey that focuses on SMEs in a Mexican locality, this paper argues that in a low-tech and mature sector, such as the machine shop sector, that operates in a loosely articulated local system, two knowledge spillover mechanisms are relevant: the backward linkages and the employees´ mobility. Regarding SMEs’ absorptive capacities they are strongly influenced by organizational capabilities and innovation and learning activities. We also argue that large firms’ knowledge spillovers are strongly correlated to SMEs absorptive capacities within the sector and locality analyzed.Absorptive capacities; Knowledge spillovers; SME-large firms interaction; Mexico

Sistemas regionales de innovación: un espacio para el desarrollo de las PYMES. El caso de la industria de maquinados industriales

This book integrates three analytical approaches: (i) local and regional innovation systems, (ii) technological spillovers from transnational corporations, and (iii) the processes of technological learning and accumulation of technological capabilities, and creating of absorptive capacities. The literature highlights the existence of a relationship between absorptive capacity and benefiting from knowledge spillovers of transnational corporations, but the empirical evidence on this relationship is weak, particularly in developing countries. This book presents evidence that in the case of an area of mature technology, e.g. machine tools, this relations emerges. It was found that as the levels of absorptive capacities of firms are higher, particularly SMEs, it is more likely that firms benefit from spillovers. But the characteristics of this relationship depends on a number of factors, among them: the type of linkages of SMEs with their clients, the nature of innovation activities and learning undertaken by these companies, and the organizational capabilities of SMEs (particularly the formation of the owner). The methodology is based on the use of direct indicators to assess spillovers, absorptive capacities and their relationship

Sistemas regionales de innovación: un espacio para el desarrollo de las PYMES. El caso de la industria de maquinados industriales

This book integrates three analytical approaches: (i) local and regional innovation systems, (ii) technological spillovers from transnational corporations, and (iii) the processes of technological learning and accumulation of technological capabilities, and creating of absorptive capacities. The literature highlights the existence of a relationship between absorptive capacity and benefiting from knowledge spillovers of transnational corporations, but the empirical evidence on this relationship is weak, particularly in developing countries. This book presents evidence that in the case of an area of mature technology, e.g. machine tools, this relations emerges. It was found that as the levels of absorptive capacities of firms are higher, particularly SMEs, it is more likely that firms benefit from spillovers. But the characteristics of this relationship depends on a number of factors, among them: the type of linkages of SMEs with their clients, the nature of innovation activities and learning undertaken by these companies, and the organizational capabilities of SMEs (particularly the formation of the owner). The methodology is based on the use of direct indicators to assess spillovers, absorptive capacities and their relationship

Diferencias en la efectividad de los canales de interacción sobre los beneficios obtenidos por investigadores y empresas en México.

It is widely recognized that universities and public research centers, hereinafter referred to public research organizations (PROs) are producers and transmitters of knowledge, and as such can make important contributions both to increase the economic performance of firms and to solve societal problems.The process of knowledge transfer between PROs and industry occurs through multiple channels of interaction, however the effectiveness of different channels on the benefits perceived by both agents differs. Based on micro data of academic researchers and firms in Mexico, this paper explores what channels of interactions are the most effective for triggering different benefits received by researchers and firms involved in such interactions. We built two Heckman´s two-step estimation procedure models, one for researchers and one for firms. The first stage determines the drivers of interaction and then eliminates the selection bias, while the second identify the most important channels to benefit from interaction. Our findings suggest that researchers are knowledge driven rather than economic driven, as they valuate more Intellectual than Economic benefits. Firms perceive Production benefits as more important than Innovation benefits, which suggest that they tend to connect to PRO for short-term problem solving rather than to get insights for long-term innovative strategies. The Bi-directional channel (knowledge flows in both directions) is the most important in providing benefits for both researchers (intellectual benefits) and firms (Innovation and Production benefits). Dual benefits coming from this channel could contribute to building virtual circles for PRO-industry interaction. But other channels are only effective either for researchers (Traditional) or for firms (Services), which raise a policy issue about the need identified the drivers that explain the likelihood of firms and researchers to establish linkages. In the case of researchers, the drivers that explain the probability to connect with firms are: (i) skills (knowledge), academic collaboration and (iii) institutiponal affiliation. In the case of firms, the main are the following: (i) openness strategy (particularly open sources and suppliers) and fiscal incentives for R&D, and (ii) perception about the role of PRO for the creation and transfer of knowledge.university-industry linkages; collaboration drivers; channels of interaction; benefits; innovation policy; developing countries; Mexico.

Successful organizational learning in the management of agricultural research and innovation: The Mexican produce foundations

"Since the 1980s, developing countries' agriculture has become more complex and diversified. In general, the public research and extension institutions in these countries were criticized for not participating in the emergence of the most dynamic agricultural markets. In recent years, many of these institutions have struggled to adapt to the new environment but they could not overcome the hurdles posed by organizational rigidities, strict public regulations, deteriorating human capital, shrinking budgets and a model of science that hampered their integration into dynamic innovation processes. In general, developing countries applied similar agricultural research policies: separation of financing and implementation of research, reductions in direct budgetary allocations to research and extension institutions, elimination or major reduction of public extension, and introduction of competitive grants programs to induce a transformation of research organizations. Strong anecdotal information suggests that these policies had limited impact on the quality and pertinence of research, and on the performance of the public research institutions. Using a different set of instruments, the Mexican Produce Foundations (PF) had major and diverse impacts on the agricultural innovation and research systems. These impacts resulted mostly from activities the PF introduced as they learned to manage funds for research and extension, and to a lesser extent from the activities they were created for, i.e., manage a competitive fund for agricultural research and extension. The PF were able to introduce these activities because they developed strong abilities to learn, including identifying knowledge gaps and defining strategies to fill them. The questions this report seeks to answer are how an organization that manages public funds for research and extension could sustain organizational innovations over extended periods, and how it could learn and adapt to maximize its impact on the agricultural innovation system. Previous studies found that human resources, organizational cultures and governance structures are three of the most important factors influencing institutional change and innovative capabilities. Despite their importance, these factors have been largely neglected in the literature on agricultural research and extension policies. This document analyzes what role these factors played in the Mexican experience." from textAgricultural research, Agricultural innovation, Developing countries,

El sistema nacional de innovación mexicano: estructuras, políticas, desempeño y desafíos

There is growing recognition that innovation plays a key role in enhancing competitiveness and enable emerging economies catch up with rich countries. In this sense, Mexico needs to strengthen its national innovation system (NIS) in order to create wealth and reduce poverty and inequality. This book addresses these issues through a comprehensive analysis of the Mexican NIS, which integrates a micro with a macro perspective. Particular attention is paid to the role of institutions, the agents' behavior and interaction among agents. Presents an interesting analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of policies for science, technology and innovation (STI) implemented in Mexico in the last decade. From an approach that combines analytical and practical issues of STI policy, this book is of interest to a broad audience, including those working in fields related to innovation studies, development economics, policy CTI and technology managemen

Lineamientos metodológicos para procesos de diálogo orientados a la formulación de políticas de CTI en América Latina, El Caribe y España

Los procesos de diálogo para la formulación de políticas de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (CTI) pueden entenderse y analizarse a partir de la interacción entre las comunidades de un sistema de innovación. Las comunidades relevantes para dichos sistemas suelen ser las siguientes: académica, sector productivo, sector público y otros sectores de la sociedad civil organizada. El proceso de diálogo se desarrolla entre actores que son parte de estas comunidades

Premisas e instrumentos de la política de innovación: una reflexión desde el caso mexicano

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