Exploring the relationship between social capital, innovation capability and innovation

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between social capital, innovation capability and innovation. Social capital and its link with innovation capability and innovation have remained relatively underexplored in literature and this study aims to fill this gap through developing and testing an integrative research model. The research model and hypotheses were developed from the existing related literature. Participant managers from textile companies in a developing country completed a survey that included a measure of social capital, innovation capability and innovation. Analyses in a Smart PLS programme revealed that social capital was positively related to innovation capability, and had a direct effect on innovation. The findings also indicated that innovation capability had a significant positive influence on innovation. These findings support the notion that social capital is an important antecedent of innovation capability and innovation. This paper contributes to the social capital and innovation literature through developing and testing links among them.