An interesting theoretical debate arises when considering firm heterogeneity in learning from exporting. One perspective intimates that technologically lagging firms stand to benefit more from exporting because exposure to technological knowledge in foreign markets allows these firms to close the gap with their more technologically endowed counterparts. A contrasting perspective posits that technologically superior firms benefit more from exporting since these firms are better equipped to translate knowledge acquired in foreign markets into innovation. Using a sample of 1,744 Spanish manufacturing firms from 1990–1997, this study empirically investigates how exporting differentially influences the patent output of technologically leading versus technologically lagging firms. We find that exporting is associated with the ex post increase in innovative productivity for both technologically leading and lagging firms. However, subsequent to exporting, technologically leading firms apply for more patents than technologically lagging firms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In recent years the international trade literature has focused on the effects of exporting and its benefits in an open economy. Scholars note that engaging in trade enhances knowledge spillovers, and results in income growth and income convergence among trading partners. Although the macro-literature has long addressed economic convergence, there has been relatively little research examining the effect of exporting on ex post firm performance. Likewise, there has been little research that examines the differential learning-by-exporting effects across industries. In this paper we build upon the convergence literature to argue that engaging in exporting provides firms, especially firms in technologically lagging industries, the opportunity to benefit disproportionately from knowledge spillovers. Using a sample of Spanish manufacturing firms from 1990 to 1997, we investigate empirically how exporting differentially influences the innovative outcomes of firms in technologically leading vs lagging industries. We find evidence that firms in technologically lagging industries (in which Spain lags the global technology frontier) learn more from exporting than those firms in technologically leading industries (in which Spain is at, or near, the global technology frontier). The results enrich the traditional convergence argument by suggesting that industry heterogeneity matters to knowledge transfer, and stands to play a substantial role in reducing knowledge gaps. Journal of International Business Studies (2008) 39, 132–150. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400320

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The hybridity of social enterprises – that is to say, their simultaneous pursuit of both economic and social value – has increasingly drawn the attention of scholars in the fields of social entrepreneurship and, more broadly, entrepreneurship. To date, there has been significant debate as to whether or how social enterprises are distinct from for- and non profit organizations and whether generating economic rents and achieving a social mission can complement or substitute for each other. To add nuance to this literature, this study focuses on the role of social entrepreneurs’ practical intelligence, seeking to understand how the practical intelligence of social entrepreneurs can contribute to creating both economic and social value. We generally find positive relationships between practical intelligence and the creation of both social and economic value. However, empirical evidence suggests that some dimensions of practical intelligence are closely related to the creation of economic value, whereas others are related to creating social value. Based on the findings, we discuss how practical intelligence can effectively help social entrepreneurs manage the hybridity of their social enterprises.

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