News from 2013-10-01 / KfW Research

Have the old still what it takes? Differences in the innovative output of young and old entrepreneurs

Is the trend to older entrepreneurs impacting on levels of innovation in the german SME sector? Actually, companies managed by older entrepreneurs launch innovations considerably less frequently. But this does not mean, that older entrepreneurs generally distance themselves from innovative activity. Rather, the sales prospects associated with product innovations continue to be embraced. However, process innovations are more frequently neglected due to the comparatively long amortisation periods involved.


Have the old still what it takes? Differences in the innovative output of young and old entrepreneurs

Contact

KfW Research

KfW Group

Palmengartenstrasse 5-9

60325 Frankfurt

Germany