Global Pipelines for Innovation: Insights from the case of Norway

Abstract

Using data on 418 Norwegian firms, the results confirm the hypotheses that innovative/radically innovative firms tend to be more involved in international personal and formal networks than non-innovative/incrementally innovative ones. While regional and national networks are much more widespread than international ones, they are not significantly positively associated with innovation. International personal networks and international links with suppliers and customers and with universities and research institutions, as well as global buzz with strangers, are positively related to innovation. This suggests that innovation management and policy, in particular in countries with a limited national innovation base, could benefit from facilitating certain international networks.