Validating the rapid validity testing concept across regions

Empirical studies in innovation management often draw on data collected in particular regions, mostly in Western economies, and imply universal applicability of the findings across regions. Given the relevance of innovation for economic progress and structural and cultural differences among regions, there is surprisingly little knowledge available on whether the knowledge developed from Western firms can be transferred to emerging economies. This dearth of knowledge is especially notable for the early phases of innovation processes. Rapid iterations between knowledge creation and learning are critical at the front end of innovation (FEI), a phase that, in turn, is crucial for innovation success. In a recently published article, Peña Häufler and co-authors developed the concept of rapid validity testing (RVT) and found support for its positive relation with innovation performance. Since the authors draw on a sample of Western firms, we explore whether the concept of RVT and its performance relevance remain valid across regional contexts. The data for this study stem from a sample of 1625 respondents from 232 firms in Europe and Latin America. Our findings advance our understanding of innovation management practices in different contexts, informing future research on the approach and relevance of assessing the effect of different contexts on central measures for improving innovative capabilities.