Prediction of the innovative capacity of countries based on their cultural dimensions: an analysis of the global innovation index

Abstract

This article seeks to examine how Hofstede's cultural dimensions act as predictive variables for country innovation. In order to clarify how national culture influence countries' capacity for innovation, regression models were developed, and comparisons were made. We will use the multivariate linear regression method for the analysis, with the scores obtained by countries in the GII as the dependent variable and the values of cultural dimensions as explanatory variables. Individualism, long-term orientation and indulgence dimensions have a positive influence on countries' innovation. However, there is a negative relationship between uncertainty to avoidance and innovation. Possible reasons for these associations may include greater professional focus, openness to new ideas and greater resistance to innovation. Since the reality of each country is different, whether due to its culture, history and social aspects or due to its geographical location and availability of natural resources, it is not possible to simply import policies from one context to another. Given these factors, an analysis is needed on how infrastructure and cultural difference can influence the innovative performance of countries. This study aims to expand the literature on how culture in its different forms assists in the innovation process of countries by presenting quantitative and qualitative results on which cultural dimensions are most relevant to innovation.