The development of innovation capability is an important topic for both managers and academics. However, studies that investigate which elements integrate innovation capability in the context of export market are very scarce. The purpose of this paper is to identify important dimensions to build a scale for measuring innovation capability in exporting firms. Survey data of 471 exporting manufacturing firms was used to develop this scale. The findings reveal that innovation capability is a higher-order construct formed by four dimensions: innovativeness, technological capability, innovation strategy and new product development capability. The results also indicate that all four dimensions of the innovation capability scale are positively and significantly associated with export venture performance.

PurposeThis study focuses on intellectual capital (IC) as a driver of better business performance. Recent studies suggest that a set of variables may mediate this relationship. This research discusses the mediating role of dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance between intellectual capital and business performance.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model is tested using a sample of 533 Portuguese firms by means of a structural equation model.FindingsIt confirms that intellectual capital impacts business performance. Moreover, this only happens indirectly through the mediating chain defined by the variables dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance.Originality/valueThis study analyzes new mediator variables between the dimensions of the intellectual capital and Portuguese business performance.

PurposeThis paper aims to explore a new causal link between market orientation and business performance by introducing dynamic capabilities as a mediator of the relationship between market orientation and competitive advantages, which ultimately determine business performance.Design/methodology/approachThe mediating roles of dynamic capabilities and competitive advantages are tested with a sample of 1,190 Portuguese firms using a structural equation model.FindingsThe results confirm the hypotheses regarding the mediating roles of the competitive advantages (differentiation and cost leadership) in the relationship between dynamic capabilities and business performance. Additionally, dynamic capabilities also mediate the relationship between market orientation and competitive advantages.Practical implicationsThis study shows that business performance depends on the capacity of firms to collect the best market information on customers and competitors, to disseminate this information throughout their internal structure and ultimately optimize its use to respond appropriately to market challenges and trends. These will provide firms with a set of capabilities and a competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence on the understanding of the relationship between market orientation and performance, through the mediating effects of both dynamic capabilities and competitive advantages.

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