Innovation in seafood value chains: the case of Norway

Abstract

This article provides econometric estimates of the determinants of collaboration in innovation processes and innovation outcomes in Norwegian aquaculture and other seafood sector firms, using linked innovation survey and register data on individual firms for the years 1990–2010. The seafood sector in Norway has an extensive innovation system and a high research and development (R&D) intensity, where public R&D institutions receive much of the funding. Our econometric estimates imply that firms with internal R&D resources collaborate more with external organizations in general, and research institutions in particular. Internal skills in the form of R&D employees and external collaboration with firms in the value chain have highly significant positive effects on innovation rates. Collaboration with R&D institutions has a smaller direct effect on innovation. Innovation is clustered at the beginning and end of the supply chain. Aquaculture input suppliers are highly innovative, while aquaculture farms mainly incorporate innovations from suppliers.