Analysis of Learning and Innovation Modes in Developing Countries; Case study ICT in Iran

In the past, many studies have been conducted to analyze the modes of learning and innovation. In literature of innovation management there are two distinct modes of learning through science, technology and innovation (STI) and learning by doing, using and interacting (DUI). Having variations in the dominant mode of innovation, can be considered as one of the existing differences in innovation systems of countries. The essence of innovation and also the technological learning differ in developed and developing countries. In previous studies, the utilized criteria for analyzing the learning styles have been mostly suitable for and compatible with the situations in developed countries. In the current study, fourteen criteria which comply with the situations of developing countries and are relevant to two dimensions of technological learning resources and inter-organizational factors, have been utilized and applied in order to achieve a more accurate analysis of learning style and innovation. Having studied the relevant information of 138 companies active in the field of ICT, it was shown that the following four learning and innovation styles exist in these companies: 1) Companies with little or no interactional learning styles, 2) Companies with weak STI learning style & 3) Those with combined style STIൂ. 4. And finally those with experimental and interactional style DUI. The analysis of operational criteria of these companies displayed that the best and the most suitable learning style is the third mentioned style and that the companies with the combined style STIൂ have experienced the highest level of growth in their turnover.