Abstract
The ability to innovate is an essential precondition for competitiveness in the knowledge economy both at the level of a single firm as well as at regional levels. Particularly, in sectors with a high rate of technological progress and where knowledge plays a major role, firms can achieve advantages by developing innovative products and services. Previous research has shown that small firms make a large contribution to innovation in developed economies and that innovation is an important means of entry for new firms (Acs and Audretsch, 1990).
We would like to thank the German Research Foundation (DFG) for its funding (grant No. RO 534/6). The Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the regions of Bremen, Munich and Stuttgart are appreciated for providing the firm’s addresses for our survey. Moreover, we thank Michael Fritsch and an anonymous referee for fruitful advice. Participants of the 3rd IECER Conference in Amsterdam in February 2005 are acknowledged for helpful comments. The remaining errors and all opinions expressed in the paper are the sole responsibility of the authors.
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Koch, A., Strotmann, H. (2006). Determinants of Innovative Activity in Newly Founded Knowledge Intensive Business Service Firms. In: Fritsch, M., Schmude, J. (eds) Entrepreneurship in the Region. International Studies in Entrepreneurship, vol 14. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28376-5_10
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