Geographical and cognitive proximity effects on innovation performance in SMEs: a way through knowledge acquisition |
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Authors: | F Xavier Molina-Morales Pedro Manuel García-Villaverde Gloria Parra-Requena |
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Institution: | 1. Universitat Jaume I, Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellon de la Plana, Spain 2. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza de la Universidad, 1, 02071, Albacete, Spain
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Abstract: | This study explores the relative influence of geographical and cognitive proximity to explain innovation performance. This paper deepens the controversy between the significance of both types of proximity, contributing to a better understand their interconnections. The study further analyzes to what extent knowledge acquisition provides a congruent explanation of the effectiveness of innovation in proximity contexts. The paper has tested a structural model based on a sample of 224 Spanish footwear firms. Footwear industry is a mature and traditional industry with a significant presence of the territorial agglomeration of firms all over Spain. Findings suggest both a direct and indirect effect of cognitive proximity on innovation performance. However, an excess of geographical proximity produces spatial lock-in, thus limiting the access to new knowledge and lowering innovations. By contrast, proximity in terms of goals and culture leads firms belonging to a territorial cluster to achieve knowledge acquisition resulting in relevant innovation. Findings suggest that although transferable valuable knowledge exists in clustered contexts firms should adopt a proactive behavior to have access common knowledge and in order to generate effective innovations. |
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