Innovation Performance Measurement: Research in Czech Business Practice

Abstract

The paper points out the importance of the innovation performance and its improvement. It begins with a comprehensive theory and definition of essential terms. The theoretical part is followed by the analysis of the current state of the issue from the perspective of enterprises in the Czech Republic. The analysis consists of four own primary questionnaire surveys. The outputs or the research reveal weaknesses in current approaches to innovation effectiveness measurement. Our enterprises try by all possible means to increase their productivity and achieve operational excellence. However, they tend to neglect such an important area of their business as research and development. It has been proved with help of questionnaire surveys that many enterprises still do not measure their innovation performance although given the importance of innovation as an engine of growth. Only very few organizations appear to have an effective system for measuring their overall innovation performance.

The paper points out the importance of the innovation performance and its improvement. It begins with a comprehensive theory and definition of essential terms. The theoretical part is followed by the analysis of the current state of the issue from the perspective of enterprises in the Czech Republic. The analysis consists of four own primary questionnaire surveys. The outputs or the research reveal weaknesses in current approaches to innovation effectiveness measurement. Our enterprises try by all possible means to increase their productivity and achieve operational excellence. However, they tend to neglect such an important area of their business as research and development. It has been proved with help of questionnaire surveys that many enterprises still do not measure their innovation performance although given the importance of innovation as an engine of growth. Only very few organizations appear to have an effective system for measuring their overall innovation performance.