Abstract In the context of globalization, the informal sector enterprises are also exposed to international competition; and therefore, they need to remain productive and competitive. In this regard, innovation is an obvious strategic choice at the firm level. Drawing from the data gathered through an extensive field survey in NCT-Delhi, India, this study observes that innovation activities in the informal enterprises take place mostly through non-research-and-development routes and rely more on interactive learning and learning by doing. The econometric analysis shows that formal interactions through subcontracting and membership in the industrial associations along with informal interactions with other firms, buyer–supplier interactions, and social capital are having positive and significant influence on product, process, and marketing innovation. However, this study reveals that formal interactions play a vital role in introducing marketing innovations. Further, the results show the essential role of in-house training, entrepreneurial expertise, and information communication technology usage at the firm level. Thus, the paper provides empirical evidence reiterating the importance of integrating informal manufacturing enterprises and their learning processes as the key components of the innovation system in India.

中文翻译：

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印度非正规制造企业创新和互动学习的决定因素

摘要 在全球化背景下，非正规部门的企业也面临着国际竞争；因此，他们需要保持生产力和竞争力。在这方面，创新显然是企业层面的战略选择。根据在印度 NCT-Delhi 进行的广泛实地调查收集的数据，本研究发现，非正规企业的创新活动主要通过非研发途径进行，更多地依赖于互动学习和边做边学。计量经济学分析表明，通过分包和加入行业协会的正式互动以及与其他公司的非正式互动、买方-供应商互动和社会资本对产品、流程、和营销创新。然而，这项研究表明，正式的互动在引入营销创新方面起着至关重要的作用。此外，结果显示了内部培训、创业专业知识和信息通信技术在公司层面的使用的重要作用。因此，本文提供了经验证据，重申了整合非正规制造企业及其学习过程作为印度创新体系关键组成部分的重要性。