Impact of industry association on the innovation of small and micro enterprises.

Employing OLS, GIVE and propensity score-matching (PSM) methods, this study investigates the impact of industry association on the innovation of small and micro enterprises. Using a survey of China micro and small enterprises (CMES), we find that industry association significantly and positively affects the innovative behaviour of small and micro enterprises, and political connection can enhance the innovative effect of industry association. Enterprises with specific advantages and entrepreneurs with strong innovation awareness and high human capital are likely to be an industry association member. Despite certain discriminations for micro firms, industry association welcomes innovative entrepreneurs and promotes the innovation of its members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]