Modeling the virtuous circle of innovation. A test on Italian firms

This article investigates the “virtuous circle” between innovative inputs, outputs, and economic performance with a three-equation model highlighting feedback loops and simultaneous relations. An empirical test is conducted of innovative expenditure, innovative sales, and economic results in a sample of Italian manufacturing firms, comparing occasional and serial innovators. The data, for 1998–2007, are drawn from a rich panel of Italian firms...