Impact of research and development (R&D) and information, and communication technology (ICT) on innovation and productivity evidence from Tunisian manufacturing firms

Abstract

This study aims to examine the ability of Tunisian manufacturing firms to invest in innovation activities and to transform these investments on innovation outputs and if these outputs have contributed to productivity improvements. It explores the relationship between research and development (R&D), information, and communication technology (ICT) use, product and process innovations and productivity. The study presents an application of the augmented Crépon-Duguet-Mairesse (CDM) model for 238 manufacturing firms in Tunisia. Results show thatR&D is an important predictor for product innovation, but not for process innovation. The use of ICT has a positive impact on both innovation types, but this impact is more important for the case of process innovation. Furthermore, the study shows the possible existence of a complementary relationship between R&D and ICT. The firms that combine R&D with ICT use increase their probability to introduce product and process innovation. R&D and ICT are also an important indirect driver of firm productivity through innovation activities. Thus, the results show a positive impact of product innovation on firm-level productivity. However, process innovation has a significant impact only if it is combined with product innovation. The study also identifies guidelines for development actors to better

A Journey through the Potential of Research to Drive Innovation in University Education

“…As mentioned, collaboration is essential for promoting innovation in higher education. This is understood as working together towards a common goal, and can involve individuals from different disciplines, organizations, or sectors (Khalifa, 2023). Lattuca and Stark (2011) point out that it may take many forms, such as joint research projects, interdisciplinary teams, or partnerships between universities and industry.…”

“…Furthermore, partnerships and collaborations with external organizations, such as industry, government, and nonprofits, can be a powerful way to advance research and innovation in university education (Khalifa, 2023). These partnerships can provide access to new resources, expertise, and funding, and can lead to impactful research and innovation with real-world applications.…”

“…It is therefore critical to ensure that funding and resources are allocated equitably and sustainably to support a diverse range of research endeavors. In this regard, interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships between universities, industry and government can be an effective way of mobilizing additional resources and funding to support research and innovation, leading to more impactful and meaningful outcomes (Khalifa, 2023). However, relying solely on government funding is not enough to support research and innovation in universities.…”

El aprendizaje autónomo y las TIC como fundamento en un modelo de capacitación

“…No obstante, el proceso de aprendizaje puede ser una inspiración para algunos, pero para otros puede ser un reto cuando no se tiene la guía adecuada para obtener el conocimiento básico, por lo que primero se tiene que priorizar el entendimiento acerca de las herramientas tecnológicas digitales (Khalifa, 2023;Slade & Downer, 2020). Así pues, el primer paso es tener la habilidad de comprender estas herramientas y la capacidad de operarlas, aprender de ellas, y con ellas, lo más ampliamente posible (López et al, 2020;Shahadat et al, 2023).…”

“…La primera posibilitó determinar la planeación, organización y evaluación del aprendizaje autónomo en la capacitación, así como establecer la motivación en las personas en este tipo de aprendizaje (Gutiérrez-Palomino et al, 2022;Tarchi et al, 2022;Wisshak & Hochholdinger, 2020;Zhang et al, 2022). La segunda permitió precisar el uso de las principales plataformas digitales, la utilización de los recursos didácticos digitales, el aprovechamiento de los medios digitales básicos para obtener información, la utilidad de los medios de almacenamiento de información, así como el empleo de las herramientas de comunicación (Ferrer, 2021;Khalifa, 2023;Lee et al, 2022;Nazir et al, 2022;Shahadat et al, 2023). La población objeto de estudio fue integrada por 30 profesores que laboran en la impartición de cursos de capacitación del Centro de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica del Instituto Politécnico Nacional.…”