Abstract In this study, using a unique firm-level survey database, I investigate innovation for privatized former state-owned enterprises (SOEs) versus originally private firms (private at inception) in 30 Eastern European and Central Asian (ECA) countries. Besides using an invention-based narrow definition of innovation, I use an imitation and adaptation-based broad definition of innovation. I find that origin of the firm matters for its innovativeness; privatized former SOEs in transition economies are less innovative than originally private firms. The results hold after controlling for important firm and country characteristics affecting firm innovativeness. Using alternative, patent-based innovation measures provides support to the main findings of the study. These findings on the relation between firm origin and innovation provide a possible explanation for the underperformance of privatized firms compared to private firms.

中文翻译：

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创新是否可以解释私有化公司与私有公司之间的绩效差距？

摘要在这项研究中，我使用一个独特的公司级调查数据库，调查了东欧和中亚（ECA）30个国家中私有化的前国有企业（SOE）与最初的私有企业（成立时为私有）的创新情况。除了使用基于发明的创新的狭义定义之外，我还使用基于模仿和适应的创新的广义定义。我发现公司的起源与它的创新息息相关。转型经济体中私有化的前国有企业的创新能力不及最初的私有企业。在控制了重要的公司和影响公司创新的国家特征之后，结果才成立。使用替代的，基于专利的创新措施可以为研究的主要发现提供支持。