How financing and information drive international corporate entrepreneurs’ innovations

Abstract

This research combines the literature on social entrepreneurship and international corporate entrepreneurship to determine the relevance financial resources and information provided by different entities have for the innovation processes of international corporate entrepreneurs. We consider financing supplied by other companies, by national public sources, and by foreign sources; information might come from market and research sources. The study adopts an empirical approach, analyzing 4748 international entrepreneurial Spanish firms by employing the partial least squares technique. The results show the relevance of information and financing for international corporate entrepreneurs in developing strategic and social innovations. Social innovation is especially relevant because of its contribution to the creation of value in terms of employment enhancement and environmental protection. Finally, the results also suggest that the source that provides financial resources and information determines the type of innovation developed by these entrepreneurs.