Capacités d'absorption et d'interaction : une étude de la coopération dans les PME françaises

Cooperation is frequently considered as a key ingredient for innovation for SMEs, particularly when considering their limited internal resources. Using a survey conducted among more than 600 French SMEs (combining quantitative and qualitative data), we shall highlight the factors related to learning and innovation through cooperation. Econometric results first show that innovation through cooperation relies on the complementarity and articulation of both organisational (absorption) and inter-organisational (interaction) capacities. Secondly, exploration through cooperation relies less on monitoring and deliberation than on active and up to date research on learning opportunities, which leads to the evolution and the redefinition of the frontiers and perimeter of the relation.