Determinants of innovation performance of organizations in a regional innovation system from a developing country

Purpose Variables affecting the innovation performance (IP) in regional innovation systems (RIS) have been widely studied in developed countries, while little information exists for the case of developing countries. Based on the innovation economics theory, this study aims to examine determinants of IP of organizations within the RIS of Medellin/Antioquia, Colombia (South America). Design/methodology/approach By using nonparametric statistical analyses, this study tests six research hypotheses through a randomly applied questionnaire, responded by 1,005 organizations belonging to the RIS of Medellin/Antioquia. Findings Results indicate that the economic sector, firm size, level of interaction with different parties and level of interaction with academic partners have a significant impact on IP in the RIS. Nevertheless, the number of employees in research and development and the adoption of new technologies have no significant effect. Practical implications Based on the results, this study identifies innovation determinants that managers and policymakers should consider when formulating strategies to improve organizations' IP. The result of this paper may provide valuable insights for the study of RIS' determinants and support further research in similar contexts. Originality/value This paper contributes to the limited body of knowledge regarding the variables that impact the IP of organizations in a RIS from a developing country. This paper also examines possible explanations for those hypotheses that were not supported, showing differences between developing and developed countries.