The Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Knowledge-Based Innovation and the Digital Economy

Abstract

The knowledge economy, fostered by knowledge-based innovation, has been linked to entrepreneurial and economic success, especially in OECD countries. Studies have shown the influence of socio-cultural factors on almost every area of economic behavior. However, few studies have attempted to connect these factors to the knowledge economy. Our research bridges this gap. We investigated the impact of socio-cultural factors on knowledge-based innovation, then we also examined whether digitalization impacted knowledge-based innovation, regardless of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Using official data from Russia’s statistical office, we developed a correlation regression model using a linear graphical test and Pearson correlation. Our results show that certain socio-cultural factors significantly influenced knowledge-based innovation. We also found that digitalization could mitigate the negative effects of socio-cultural factors. Digitalization had a positive influence on knowledge-based innovation across all regions and socio-cultural characteristics. Our research provides pioneering analysis of the topic within post-Soviet economies and has huge implications for business practice, policy making, and academic research.

Socio-Cultural Factors and Components of the Digital Economy in Ethnic Minority Regions

“…Also, for expenses on ICT, we postulate, based on the results of prior studies, that regions with higher ICT expenses perform better in the digital economy [63]. This study followed the recommendations for using the Pearson correlation coefficient by Benesty et al [64] and the recent practices of Vlasov et al [12] on a similar research area. The analysis can be statistically explained as follows:…”

“…Furthermore, research has demonstrated that social and cultural factors can influence the use of digital technologies in societies, particularly among ethnic minority groups [11,12]. A survey of the Scopus citation database of studies between 2015 and 2017 shows a sharp increase in publications on the digital economy (from 509 to 3585) and socio-cultural factors (from 540 to 1030).…”

“…A survey of the Scopus citation database of studies between 2015 and 2017 shows a sharp increase in publications on the digital economy (from 509 to 3585) and socio-cultural factors (from 540 to 1030). However, while a few studies have attempted to connect both research streams [12], studies intersecting these two areas have remained very limited. Socio-cultural factors include various informal institutions associated with values, norms, traditions, customs and behavioural attitudes shared by a society [13,14].…”

Does religion impact corporate innovation in developing countries?

“…To explore the innovation process, society’s faith and customs cannot be overlooked (Shyan Fam et al , 2004). Hence, Vlasov et al (2022) examined the effect of sociocultural determinants on knowledge-based innovation in the context of OECD countries. The empirical data supported the hypothesis that religious beliefs and other aspects of social culture had a sizable impact on the development of new forms of knowledge.…”

Sustainable development: specifics of primary and secondary digitalisation in depressed regions (on example of the Russian Federation)

“…As examples of such development: backbone innovation-active clusters, on the basis of which a technopolis is formed. Technopolis is a special form of spatial organisation of productive forces, aimed at creating a base for the rapid development of knowledge-intensive industries, which should subsequently give an impetus to the progressive growth of the economy of certain regions and the economy of the country as a whole [10].…”