The Effect of Research & Development Activities and Open Innovation Activities: A Key to Low/ Medium Technology Industries and Firms in Catalonia

Research and Development (R&D) activities and Open Innovation activities (OI) have been of crucial importance in Low/Medium Technology (LMT) sectors that are based on the innovation abilities of LMT firms. This article analyzes the links between OI activities and R&D activities in Catalan (Spain) LMT firms. First, we develop a model of how innovation is developed within LMT Catalan firms. By analyzing R&D and OI activities in LMT firms, we measure both internal and external activities of these firms. Secondly, we explore the effects of R&D activities and OI activities in the industrial sector, and then the effects of both in the market of the Catalonia region. Catalan LMT firms have unique opportunities in the innovation process, yet face some obstacles. The objective of this article is to advocate for bridges to be built between university research and public centers, and LMT firms in Catalonia. To define the current issue within the field of Catalan LMT firms, we sample 2008 to 2010 data from the Spanish National Statistical Institute (INE), Statistical Institute of Catalonia (IDESCAT), and the Organization for Economic, Cooperation and Development (OECD).