Learning Organizations and Innovation Performance: A Panel Data Analysis

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 595 - 623, 28.02.2026

Nazik Erdal Akyüz

https://doi.org/10.25229/beta.1760334

https://izlik.org/JA87YP69JM

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine, at the macro level, the relationship between learning-organization capacity and innovation performance in developing economies. The analysis employs panel data covering the period 2010–2024 for Turkey, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, using Global Innovation Index (GII) scores, R&D expenditures, patent applications, and education expenditures as core indicators. Model selection tests identify the fixed-effects specification as the most appropriate. The results show that R&D investments and patent activities exert a significant and positive influence on innovation performance, whereas education expenditures contribute in a more limited and indirect manner. Cross-country comparisons further reveal that the comparatively higher innovation scores of China and Turkey are associated not only with technological and financial inputs but also with the institutionalization of a learning-oriented culture and the maturity of national learning capacity. The study’s contribution lies in offering the first comprehensive macro-level empirical test of the linkage between learning-organization capacity and innovation management, thereby demonstrating the strategic relevance of this relationship for national innovation policy. The findings underscore the necessity of strengthening learning-oriented structures in educational institutions, public organizations, and firms to support the sustainable development of innovation capabilities. Accordingly, the study provides both theoretical insights and actionable implications for policymakers.

Keywords

Learning Organizations , Innovation Performance , Global Innovation Index , Developing Countries , Panel Data Analysis

Öğrenen Örgüt–İnovasyon İlişkisi: Panel Veri Analizi

https://izlik.org/JA87YP69JM

Abstract

Çalışmanın amacı, gelişmekte olan ülkelerde öğrenen örgüt kapasitesi ile inovasyon performansı arasındaki ilişkiyi makro düzeyde analiz etmektir. Araştırma kapsamında Türkiye, Çin, Hindistan, Brezilya ve Güney Afrika’nın 2010–2024 dönemine ait Küresel İnovasyon Endeksi (GII) skorları, Ar-Ge harcamaları, patent başvuruları ve eğitim harcamaları panel veri yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Model seçimi sonuçları sabit etkiler yaklaşımının uygun olduğunu göstermiştir. Analiz bulguları, Ar-Ge harcamaları ile patent faaliyetlerinin inovasyon performansını anlamlı ve pozitif yönde etkilediğini; eğitim harcamalarının ise inovasyona daha sınırlı ve dolaylı bir katkı sağladığını ortaya koymaktadır. Ülke karşılaştırmalarında Çin ve Türkiye’nin inovasyon skorlarının anlamlı biçimde daha yüksek olması, inovasyon performansının teknik ve finansal yatırımların ötesinde, öğrenen örgüt kültürünün kurumsallaşması ve ulusal öğrenme kapasitesinin gelişmişliğiyle yakından ilişkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Çalışmanın özgün katkısı, öğrenen örgüt–inovasyon yönetimi ilişkisinin makro düzeyde ilk kez kapsamlı bir biçimde test edilmesi ve bu ilişkinin ulusal inovasyon politikaları açısından stratejik öneminin ampirik olarak ortaya konulmasıdır. Elde edilen bulgular, inovasyon yönetiminin sürdürülebilir biçimde geliştirilmesi için eğitim kurumları, kamu örgütleri ve firmalarda öğrenen örgüt yapılarının güçlendirilmesine yönelik politika tasarımlarının kritik rol taşıdığını göstermektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışma hem teorik literatüre hem de politika yapıcılara somut yönlendirmeler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Öğrenen Örgütler , İnovasyon Performansı , Küresel İnovasyon Endeksi , Gelişmekte Olan Ülkeler , Panel Veri Analizi

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