THE EFFECTS OF INNOVATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS IN FOOD PRODUCTS' AND BEVERAGES' INDUSTRY

In the present survey we examine the impact of innovative activity on employment in food products' and beverages' industry, relative to other factors affecting firms' rate of growth. Through the use of descriptive and econometric analysis, we find that adversely to the dominant belief, only the establishment of innovative process and the size of the firm affect significantly the increase in employment. Findings strongly indicate, that investments in intangible assets (RandD and EPRs), is crucial, not only concerning economic performance (as underlined in other surveys), but also generation of employment.