This study explored the elements of innovation culture influencing individual performance of research and development (R&D) personnel. It employed quantitative research wherein innovation culture and R&D performance assessment tools were developed and administered to 115 R&D personnel in public higher education institutions (HEIs). Individual performance in terms of quantity of R&D outputs such as inventions, utility models, other intellectual property (IP) and creations, and scientific publications were assessed. Spearman’s rank-order correlation test showed significant association between inclusivity, continuous improvement, creativity, learning organization, innovativeness, communication system, innovation process, and the innovative teams and groups and performance of R&D personnel. Furthermore, the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that freedom, orientation to technological innovation, innovation process, creativity, flexibility, openness, continuous improvement, learning organization, innovative teams/groups and individuals can influence individual performance of R&D personnel in public HEIs. This study added to our understanding of innovation culture in public or government organizations by providing empirical information on its validity and applicability, which can help analyse its elements in relation to individual performance. It gave insights on how each element of innovation culture can influence individual performance, particularly the production of R&D outputs in public HEIs.