Title: Innovative firms in transition economies: what do they have in common?

Authors: Albulena Kadriu; Besnik A. Krasniqi; Justina Pula-Shiroka

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, University of Prishtina, Agim Ramadani St. p.n., Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo ' Faculty of Economics, University of Prishtina, Agim Ramadani St. p.n., Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo ' Faculty of Economics, University of Prishtina, Agim Ramadani St. p.n., Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo

Abstract: Network provides opportunities for mutual learning and stimulation for the creation of fresh knowledge. However, in transition economies researchers have paid little attention to the ability of network to boost firms' innovative capabilities. Based on 2016 Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey this article has identified the positive impact of network on helping firms overcome institutional obstacles and innovate. Through structural equation model the study concludes that network helps firms to cope with institutional obstacles, especially in non-European countries where governmental framework is fragile and unsupportive towards innovative SMEs.

Keywords: network; institutional obstacles; transition economies; innovation; structural equation model; SEM; SME; European Union; technology; BEEPS; Non-European; corruption.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2018.097441

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2018 Vol.16 No.2, pp.182 - 198

Received: 23 Oct 2018
Accepted: 27 Oct 2018
Published online: 21 Jan 2019 *

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