Innovation adoption in European countries

Abstract

This paper aims at investigation of innovation adoption characteristics in different European countries and among different industries on the levels of both innovation subjects (product vs. process) and nature of enterprise (R&D performer vs. non-R&D performer). The new definition of innovation adoption on the basis of Community Innovation Survey is suggested and a set of indicators which are used to account for the magnitude of innovation and adoption in the groups of R&D performers and non-R&D performers is introduced on the basis of this definition. Product and process innovation and adoption levels are investigated on the country and industry level separately for R&D performers and non-R&D performers for two observation periods (2004-2006 and 2006-2008). Temporal comparisons of the eight suggested indicators are made. A classification of European countries based on the levels of product and process innovation and adoption in groups of R&D performers and non-R&D performers is suggested.