Marked for life? On researcher involvement at infancy and the innovative capabilities of survivor firms

Abstract

This article investigates the marks left on the innovative capabilities of Norwegian firms by science system researchers engaged during their infancy, i.e. during the first year of operation. The analysis is based on Community Innovation Survey (CIS) data gathered in 2010. Using additional information generated from linked employer–employee registers, firms in the CIS sample that were established in the 2001 to 2010 period are identified, as is the background of the individuals involved. Subsequent regressions find that researcher participation during infancy is positively and significantly associated with successful innovation activity reported in CIS2010. Estimates are robust to the inclusion of fine-grained sector controls and variables capturing age and size.

Keywords:

• entrepreneurship
• capabilities
• innovation
• Norway

JEL Classification:

• O15
• O31
• L21