Exploring the linkages between firm interactivity, innovation, and improved business performance

In today's dynamic and hypercompetitive business environment, knowledge and innovation have emerged as bases for sustained competitive advantage. This paper addresses two specific research questions. First, we ask, "What is the effect that firm interactivity has on various types of innovation?" As we address this question, we explain that interactivity helps firms create knowledge, which then promotes and enables innovation. Second, we ask, "How do the various types of innovation impact firm performance?" We develop a research model and a set of hypotheses from the basis of organizational knowledge creation theory and the knowledge-based view of the firm. We test this model using survey data, and find that interactivity is positively associated with innovation. We also find that several types of innovation, including service innovation, process innovation, and organizational innovation have a positive impact on firm performance.