Nexus between Innovation Ecosystem and Innovation Performance.
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Chuka University
Abstract
The business climate is faced with turbulent environment such as dynamic customer needs, market
complexities escalating cost of production and punitive requirements for doing business. The situation is
more pronounced in the manufacturing sector which calls for the development of a systematic and
comprehensive approach to address the intricacies involved. The purpose of the study was therefore t
investigate the influence of Innovation Ecosystem (IE)on Innovation Performance (IP) in manufacturing
firms with a focus on major industrial counties in Kenya. The theoretical underpinning in this study were
innovation, complexity and innovation diffusion theories. The philosophical ideology that guided the
study was pragmatism. Mixed method design was used. The target population was 2,484 employees
drawn from 828 firms. Multi-stage sampling was employed to sample 345 employees drawn from 115
firms. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview schedules and check
lists. Data was analyzed using variance, standard deviations, structural equation model and partial least
square. Apilot test was conducted on 12 manufacturing firms to determine the validity and reliability of
research instruments. Smart partial least square, Stata and statistical package for social scientists were
the main software used for data analysis. Results were presented in graphs, tables and path diagrams. It
was found that IE contributed 66.74% of innovation performance. It was concluded that IE has a
significant influence on IP. It was therefore recommended that the operating environment should be
enhanced for improved competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. The study is useful to members of
the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, management in manufacturing firms, current and potential
investors and entrepreneurs, policymakers and scholars. Further studies should be carried out on how
trust can be managed in IE for a win-win situation for a more vibrant manufacturing sector.
Description
Article
Keywords
Innovation Ecosystem, Innovation Performance, competitiveness and Knowledge Entrepreneurship.
Citation
Isaac Muiruri Gachanja.(2024).Nexus between Innovation Ecosystem and Innovation Performance. In: Mutembei Henry, Nduru Gilbert, Munyiri Shelmith, Gathungu Geofrey, Kiboro Christopher, Otiso Wycliffe, Rithaa Jafford, Miriti Gilbert, Gichumbi Joel, Mwathi David, Gitonga Lucy, Nanua Jackin, Kahindi Roseline, Jonathan Kathenge & Muthui Zipporah (Eds.). Proceedings of the Chuka University Tenth Annual International Research Conference held in Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya from 5th to 6th October, 2023. 322-336 pp.