Abstract
This study examines the relationships among R&D intensity, innovation measures, and business performance in the Canadian biotechnology industry, which experienced rapid growth in the number of firms and revenues between 1994 and 1997. A sample of 74 biotechnology companies in Canada is used for the analysis (the response rate of the postal questionnaire survey was 23.8%). In addition, geographic variations in barriers affecting innovation and factors influencing the business performance of biotechnology firms are analyzed. Results of the study show that R&D intensity correlates with patent measures, while innovation measured in terms of new product introductions is associated with business performance. Canadian firms attribute their business performance to internal advantages to a greater extent than external factors. The Canadian regulatory process is the greatest barrier to innovation. This study shows that while R&D and scientific breakthroughs drive innovation in the biotechnology industry, market demand plays a critical role in business performance of firms.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 231-244 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Technovation |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biotechnology
- Canada
- Innovation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering
- Management of Technology and Innovation