IMPACT OF MANGERS’ EXPERIENCE ON FIRM’S INNOVATION: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAN (MENA)

Abstract

It is widely believed that innovation drives growth at macro level and improves firm’s productivity and performance at micro level. The Middle East and North African (MENA) region lagging behind in terms of innovation activities. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of managerial experience on innovation activities in Middle East and North African (MENA) region using World Enterprise Survey data.  The study utilized the multilevel logistic regression model. The innovation is measured through the survey question “during the last three years, has this establishment introduced new or significantly improved products or services” and the managers’ experience is measured by “how many years of experience working in this sector does the top manager have”.  The results of multilevel logistic model indicate that experience of the manager has positive impact of the innovation.