Learning to Innovate in Nigeria's cable and wire manufacturing sub-sector: inferences from a firm-level case study

Egbetokun, A and Siyanbola, W and Adeniyi, A (2008): Learning to Innovate in Nigeria's cable and wire manufacturing sub-sector: inferences from a firm-level case study. Published in: Int. J. Learning and Intellectual Capital , Vol. 7, No. 1 (2010): pp. 55-74.

Abstract

Firm performance is known to be connected to firm-level innovation capability. Innovation capability, in turn, is an output of technological learning. This paper evaluates technological learning among firms in the Cable and Wire manufacturing sub-sector in Nigeria, using a purposively selected case firm. We developed a model of the relationship between the innovative activities of the firm - as evidence of its capability – and its knowledge acquisition methodology. These are discussed within the context of the firm’s stock of human capital. We found low technological innovation capability and high capability for organisational and marketing innovation. Preparedness for technological learning is relatively poor with staff training intensity of 5% and innovation intensity of 0.0075%. We therefore propose stronger interconnectedness of the National Innovation System and creation of industry specific structures that could enhance learning.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Technological learning; sub-sector; Cable and Wire manufacturing industry
• Subjects: L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L68 - Appliances ; Furniture ; Other Consumer Durables; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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