Interactive learning and firm-level capabilities in latecomer settings: The Nigerian manufacturing industry

Abiodun Egbetokun

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2015, vol. 99, issue C, 231-241

Abstract: Combining insight from strategic management, evolutionary economics and latecomer capability literatures, this paper analyses the relationship between interactive learning and capabilities in a sample of Nigerian manufacturing firms. A distinction is made between formal and informal modes of interactive learning. Results from multivariate probit estimations show that both modes are positively associated with firm-level capabilities but informal interactions dominate. These results have some implications for policy and practice. Firms may become more capable of innovating if they connect with externally-generated knowledge. However, the apparent difference in importance of formal and informal linkages suggests that the choice of how and when to form linkages is non-trivial. It also suggests the need for broad-based policies to nurture both types of linkages.

Keywords: Capabilities; Innovation; Technological learning; Formal and informal interactions; Nigeria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L14 L60 O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:99:y:2015:i:c:p:231-241

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2015.06.040

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