Where are the world’s innovation hotspots? This study examines innovative activity across different countries, using a range of technological performance metrics to create a taxonomy of inventiveness. The patterns of inventiveness reflect present product development activities that, in the future, will impact a country's capacity to bring unique and high value-added new products to market. The authors develop a taxonomy revealing distinctive patterns of inventiveness across different countries. These patterns suggest differing national approaches to innovation and technological advancement. The research emphasizes the importance of innovation in driving long-term competitive advantage. The marketing implications of this taxonomy are discussed, highlighting how businesses can leverage this knowledge to inform their global strategies. The study also proposes avenues for future research, encouraging continued exploration of the dynamics of innovation across nations.
Published in International Marketing Review, this study aligns with the journal's focus on international business and marketing strategy. The development of a taxonomy of countries based on inventive activity adds to the journal's coverage of factors impacting international market competitiveness and global marketing strategies.