Investigating the Relationship between the Continuity and Geographic Diversity of Exports with the Diversity of Innovation, Case Study: Small and Medium Enterprises in West Azarbaijan Province

The purpose of this study is to examine the new aspects of the theory of learning through export. For this purpose, a sample consisting of 104 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in West Azarbaijan province was selected using random sampling method. This data is based on a questionnaire adapted from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), which aims to collect innovation data from European enterprises and has been localized to reflect Iran's economic conditions. The questionnaire was completed by the managers of selected enterprises from June 2021 to the end of September 2021. Then, two diversity indices of Simpson and Shannon-Wiener have been calculated for the innovation diversity of enterprises. For the export variable, two indicators of export continuity and diversification have been used. Then, the innovation input intensity index, export restrictions, and individual and organizational characteristics of the enterprise manager were calculated using the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) technique. Finally, the generalized structural equation model (GSEM) was used to estimate the desired econometric model. According to the results, the continuity of exports and access to more diverse export markets has a positive and significant effect on innovation diversity, but according to the estimated coefficients, conditions must be provided to facilitate the process of export continuity for these enterprises, then exporting to different regions should be included in their plan.