한국 중소·중견기업의 직무발명보상제도가 혁신활동과 성과에 미치는 영향

The Effect of Employee Invention Compensation Systems on Innovation Activities and Performance in Korean SMEs and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the impact of employee invention compensation systems on firms’ technological innovation activities and performance. Based on prior literature, five hypotheses are proposed. Research design, data, and methodology: A survey was conducted among Korean small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that have implemented an employee invention compensation system. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: The findings reveal that the employee invention compensation system has a positive impact on both product and process innovation activities. Moreover, product and process innovations significantly contribute to improved firm performance. Additionally, the compensation system itself exerts a direct positive effect on firm performance. Implications: The employee invention compensation system should be regarded not only as a financial incentive mechanism but also as a strategic driver of innovation. Strengthening the connection between the compensation system and innovation activities can enhance organizational performance. Furthermore, process innovation fosters long-term competitiveness by improving operational efficiency. The structured implementation of such systems can play a crucial role in motivating employees and building a culture of innovation.