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Individual Characteristics and Their Influence on Innovation: A Literature Review
Georgiana Bǎlǎu, Dries Faems, Hans van der Bij
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Abstract
Innovation is widely acknowledged nowadays as the source for firms' competitive advantage. Whereas previous innovation research mainly focus on the group and organisational levels, only a relatively small number of studies cover individual perspectives on innovation performance. Based on a systematic literature review, we provide a comprehensive framework, identifying individual characteristics that impact innovation at individual, team and firm levels. We also distinguish between various types of innovation (i.e., technological innovation, product innovation, process innovation) and consider variables that mediate or moderate the relationship between individual characteristics and innovation performance. Gaps are highlighted and future research directions are formulated.