Do Innovation and Cooperation Influence SMEs’ Competitiveness? Evidence From the Andalusian Metal-Mechanic Sector

This study’s main objective is to determine the influence of innovation and cooperation on the competitiveness of SMEs in the metal-mechanic sector of Andalusia (Spain). Using information obtained by interviewing managers of a sample of 80 firms, we proposed a model of structural equations based on...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Tamayo Gallego, Juan Aurelio, Romero García, José Enrique, Gamero Rojas, Francisco Javier, Martínez Román, Juan Antonio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2015
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/56586
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11441/56586
https://doi.org/10.15446/innovar.v25n55.47226
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Competitividad
Innovación
Cooperación
Gestión de la calidad
Conocimiento
PYMES
Andalucía (España)
Competitiveness
Innovation
Cooperation
Quality management
Knowledge
SMEs
Andalusia (Spain)
Descripción
Sumario:This study’s main objective is to determine the influence of innovation and cooperation on the competitiveness of SMEs in the metal-mechanic sector of Andalusia (Spain). Using information obtained by interviewing managers of a sample of 80 firms, we proposed a model of structural equations based on the Partial Least Squares (PLS ) technique. This model, which explained 37% of the variability of competitiveness, also allowed us to test hypotheses about the positive influence of quality management, knowledge, financial resources and cooperation on innovative outcomes. Along with the contrasted hypotheses, the most noteworthy finding was that cooperation does not significantly influence the innovative outcomes of firms in this sector.