Methodological note. EIS: Innovative SMEs collaborating with others as % of all SMEs

This indicator measures the degree to which SMEs are involved in innovation co-operation. Complex innovations, in particular in ICT, often depend on the ability to draw on diverse sources of information and knowledge, or to collaborate on the development of an innovation. This indicator measures the flow of knowledge between public research institutions and firms and between firms and other firms. The indicator is limited to SMEs because almost all large firms are involved in innovation co-operation.

The indicator is obtained as a quotient.

Numerator:

Sum of SMEs with innovation co-operation activities. Firms with cooperation activities are tose that had any co-operation agreements on innovation activities with other enterprises or institutions in the three years of the survey period.

Denominator:

Total number of SMEs (both innovators and non-innovators).