Are innovation patterns in manufacturing and services converging? A multivariate analysis of CIS-3 data for the flemish business sector

Abstract

This paper presents the results from a multivariate (factor and cluster) analysis of the variation in innovation processes of manufacturing and service firms. Using data from the third Community Innovation Survey for Flanders (Belgium), a set of seven clusters of firms that are to be interpreted as “innovation patterns” or “innovation strategies” is identified. Two major findings emerge: (i) the “sectoral determinism” of innovation does not hold true for Flemish firms; (ii) firms in the service industry seem to form a separate, “low-profile” innovation cluster. In conclusion, we point to some important implications for the design of adequate innovation-policy measures.