Knowledge spillovers and innovation: analysis of the relationships between service centres and MSMEs from the regional perspective
Knowledge spillovers and innovation: analysis of the relationships between service centres and MSMEs from the regional perspective

Summary/Abstract: The innovativeness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is dependent onaccessibility to appropriate knowledge resources that enable creation of new market offers. Dueto inherent limitations related to the possibilities of investing in the acquisition or creation of newknowledge, smaller entities may benefit from the proximity of large companies, especially multinational corporations, which are actively involved in new knowledge creation, and this knowledgehas the ability to spill over. The flow of knowledge from service centres to local smaller companieshas the potential to stimulate innovativeness in regional service functions, creating opportunities forlocal entrepreneurs to develop and grow. Hence, the purpose of the considerations presented in thispaper is to analyse the impact of the flow of knowledge from service centres to MSMEs as a resultof interactions between them. For this purpose, empirical data from quantitative research carried outby the research team in 2016 on a representative sample of 1,100 micro small and medium-sized enterprises in the Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania) voivodeship were used. The analysis showsthat service centres can have a positive impact on the innovativeness of companies in the regionsin which they are located, provided that there is a flow of knowledge as a result of direct transfer orpersonal interactions.

• Details
• Contents