Business success factors and innovation in Canadian service sectors: an initial investigation of inter-sectoral differences

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between innovation and a select number of business success factors in 3701 firms across 34 Canadian service sectors. The paper begins with an investigation of the differences in rates of innovation by Canadian service sectors. The paper then progresses to investigate similarities/differences between service industries with respect to the identified business success factors. Distinct clusters of industries are observed to exist as they relate to their market and knowledge development orientations. Analysis at the individual sector level yields further insights into the orientation of individual industries as it pertains to innovation.