Putting Things Together

Abstract

As we have seen, the basic innovation samples by Mensch, van Duijn and Haustein/Neuwirth are subject to criticism because a precise definition of ‘basic innovation’ has yet to be found. There are also problems with the determination of points in time of the basic innovations, and especially of the basic inventions. However, the possibility of a selection bias and doubts about representativeness have also been brought forward against the Mahdavi sample used in Kleinknecht (1981). Comparable objections could also be made against the Sussex innovation data bank, especially concerning the decisions to be made in separating ‘minor’ from ‘major’ innovations. Furthermore, the Sussex data so far cover only half of British manufacturing industry.