Title: The influence of company size on the management of external sources of technological information

Authors: Clandia Maffini Gomes; Isak Kruglianskas; Flavia Luciane Scherer

Addresses: Departamento de Ciências Administrativas, Santa Maria Federal University, Floriano Peixoto, 1184, Santa Maria – RS 97015700, Brazil ' Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade, São Paulo University, Luciano Gualberto, 908, São Paulo – SP 05508, Brazil ' Departamento de Ciências Administrativas, Santa Maria Federal University, Floriano Peixoto, 1184, Santa Maria – RS 97015700, Brazil

Abstract: The present study sought to evaluate the influence of company size on the management of external sources of technological information. We conducted an empirical survey of innovative Brazilian companies in the industrial sector. Analysis of management and performance characteristics found significant differences between large companies and smaller organisations, particularly regarding management structure, technology access opportunities, external sources of technology information, and performance indicators. Our analyses highlight cooperation and external relationships as ways to maximise innovative activity, regardless of company size.

Keywords: innovation management; external sources; technology information; firm performance; Brazil; management structure; technology access opportunities; performance indicators; cooperation; external relationships.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2014.059757

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2014 Vol.15 No.2, pp.130 - 148

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

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