Firm size and innovation: a meta-analysis applied to OECD countries and partner economies

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18381/eq.v22i2.7375

Keywords:

forest-funnel plot, innovación, tamaño empresarial, metaanálisis, OCDE

Abstract

Objective: to estimate the relationship between firm size and innovation capacity in OECD countries and key partners, considering contextual disparities and moderating factors. Methodology: a meta-analysis was conducted on 51 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2023, with a combined sample of 65 001 firms. An importance performance matrix and a multivariate meta-regression model were used to analyze moderators. Results: a positive and significant relationship was found between firm size and innovation (z=0.233), with high heterogeneity (I2=98.3%) and no publication bias. Limitations: the study is limited to data from OECD countries or affiliates; therefore, the results are not generalizable. Originality: this is the first meta-analysis from Mexico on this relationship. It provides a novel, replicable, and comparative methodological approach. Conclusions: firm size influences innovation, but other factors such as institutional environment, national development level, and business strategy also play a key role.

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Author Biography

Elías Alvarado Lagunas, UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE NUEVO LEÓN

Dr. Elías Alvarado LagunasProfesor e Investigador, SNI, candidato.Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo LeónFacultad de Contaduría Pública y AdministraciónPedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria 66455. San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León. México.Tel: (81) 8329 - 4080 Ext. 4430Fax: (81) 8376 - 7025

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Alvarado Lagunas, E. (2025). Firm size and innovation: a meta-analysis applied to OECD countries and partner economies. EconoQuantum, 22(2), 55–80. https://doi.org/10.18381/eq.v22i2.7375