Gaining Competitive Advantage by Technological Innovation in Emerging Countries: Nature or Nurture for Suriname?

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on a conceptual model of innovation and the results of the questionnaire among Surinamese firms to see the implications of this model. This article tests the model in the developing country of Suriname to see how it might encourage technological innovation. The model describes three alternative paths to innovation: nature, nurture, or a hybrid. A survey of local firms indicates that the overall technological innovation achievement of these firms in Suriname is weak as are government policies toward an innovative and competitive Surinamese economy. The article proposes a hybrid path combining nature and nurture for Suriname to achieve technological advancement. This hybrid path requires that the government change its politics, technology policy, and focus, as well as enhancing the innovative nature of the companies.

KEYWORDS:

• Competitiveness
• Suriname
• technological innovation

Notes

Key: P = Passive toward innovation. A = Active toward innovation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

W. Jansze

W. Jansze is Lecturer, F.H.R. Lim A. Po Institute of Social Studies, Paramaribo, Suriname.

D. Lahiri

D. Lahiri is Assistant Professor, Masstricht School of Management, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

R.S. J. Tuninga

R. S. J. Tuninga is Director, Dean, and Professor of International Business and Marketing, Maastricht School of Management, and Professor of International Business, Open University of The Netherlands, Maastricht, The Netherlands.