Innovation and the Firm Export Intensity : The Moderating Effect of the Mode of Entry

This article studies the relationships between innovation, the mode of entry adopted by a firm and its export performance. In addition, it identifies the mode of entry that is most favourable for the development of the export intensity of the innovative firm. In order to achieve this, the study analyzes the behaviour of more than 1,100 manufacturing firms in Spain in 2005, and concludes that, in line with the transaction costs theory prescriptions, firms adopting modes of entry with high levels of control develop greater export intensity. With reference to the interactions between the variables analyzed, the moderating effect of the mode of entry is greater when considered together with the innovative activity input; that is to say, with the R&D investment