Using a sample from an original questionnaire survey in Japan, this paper explores whether and how founders' human capital affects innovation outcomes by start-ups.The results provide evidence that founders with greater human capital are more likely to yield innovation outcome. However, because certain types of founders' human capital may boost R&D investment, which possibly results in innovation outcomes, we estimate the determinants of innovation outcomes by an instrumental variable probit model taking into account the endogeneity of R&D investment. Our findings suggest that specific human capital for innovation, such as founders' prior innovation experience, is directly associated with innovation outcomes after start-up, while generic human capital, such as founders' educational background, indirectly affects innovation outcomes through R&D investment.JEL Classification: L24; M13; O31
Using a panel data set based on repeated questionnaire surveys in Japan, this study examines the effects of numerical labor flexibility on innovation outcomes of start-up firms, a topic that has not been well examined in the literature. Using a random-effects probit model, the estimation results indicate that the use of temporary employees significantly increases the probability of product innovation. In addition, numerical flexibility, measured as external labor turnover of regular employees, initially increases and then decreases the probability of patent application. The implications of our findings are discussed.
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