Innovation and performance, a collection of microdata studies

There are still many puzzles to be solved concerning the relation between innovation and firm performance, in particular concerning the distinct roles of information and communication technology (ICT) and Research and Development (R&D) in creating new or improved products or production processes. This thesis provides evidence that both instances of innovation are important drivers of productivity and, thus, economic growth. This book consolidates the results of empirical work covering about 10 years of research aimed at understanding the importance for firm performance of innovation in a broad sense.