Abstract
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes in the Brazilian food companies.Design/methodology/approach– Based on a survey questionnaire with 84 participants from large and non-large food companies of Brazil, the paper has used linear regression to examine the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes. Next, the paper used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test to compare the two sets of companies, i.e. large companies (annual sales >US$5 million), and non-large companies (annual sales US$1-5 million).Findings– The paper found that external integration with suppliers and customers is positively related to innovation outcomes in food companies. Besides, radical innovation is directly related to large companies rather than non-large food companies. Furthermore, customer integration is perceived in large food companies rather than non-large. To the best of the knowledge, this is pioneering information in food companies.Research limitations/implications– This research has been tested based only on participants’ perceptions. Therefore, the findings should also be verified through of a longitudinal fashion or in deep study.Practical implications– The main practical implication lies with the embedding of these concepts in a research from the perspective of a developing economy. Seen in this light it is noteworthy that such findings may contribute to the understanding of innovation outcomes in other developing countries.Originality/value– There are few empirical studies that explore the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes in food companies. Besides, there is little knowledge about differences between large and non-large food companies regarding to incremental and radical innovation. Our research is the first study analyzing these issues in large and non-large food companies in the Brazil.
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