Unravelling the link between process innovation inputs and outputs: The moderating role of family management

The analysis of technological innovation in a family business context has become a relevant topic in the management literature. However, there is a lack of studies that examine process innovation and the ultimate impact of family management on the relationship between innovation inputs and outputs. Based on a longitudinal sample of 922 Spanish manufacturing firms, this paper empirically explores the moderating role of family management on the relationship between input mix and the occurrence of process innovation. The results show that family management increases the conversion rate of innovation inputs into process innovation outcomes. The study also finds evidence for the existence of a non-linear relationship between innovation input mix and process innovation, indicating that there is both a minimum level and a maximum level in the efficient use of resources in process innovation. Thus, the findings indicate that family-managed firms are more efficient in their use of innovation input resources from a certain reference point.