Ownership structure and technological innovation: an investigation of Tunisian agri-food companies

Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate potential relationships between the corporate governance system and the innovation development process, with a specific focus on the agri-food sector in the Tunisian context. Design/methodology/approach Most studies on innovation management have shown the collective nature of the innovation process, resulting from the multiple interactions that can be established between various actors, internal and external to the enterprise perimeter, which is increasingly digitally open, especially in the COVID-19 era. More specifically, the implementation of an innovation strategy is a risky issue for businesses, most of all when considering its financial requirements and impacts, and thus, appropriate management plays a relevant role in this respect. Findings Statistical tests, operated on a sample of 80 Tunisian companies, show that the style of management and the concentration of ownership exert significant influence on the dynamism of technological innovation in the agri-food sector. Originality/value The involvement and the commitment of institutional investors can contribute to stimulate the innovation process in the agri-food sector, providing related implications with significant impact, at the scientific and managerial level.