March 2025

Volume 08 Issue 03 March 2025
Examination of the Influence of Tax Incentives, Funding, And R&D Investments on Innovation Effectiveness and The Financial Performance of Firms Listed in The Iraq Stock Exchange
Hind Dheyaa Abdulrasool
College of Administration and Economics, University of AL Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v8-i3-14

Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT

Despite reforms outlined in Iraq’s Investment Law No. 13 of 2006 and efforts to diversify its economy, the country’s private sector remains stifled by structural barriers. For firms listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX), these challenges are compounded by limited access to tax incentives, erratic government funding, and negligible R&D infrastructure, raising critical questions about their capacity to innovate and achieve sustainable financial performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of tax incentives, government funding, and R&D investment in enhancing innovation effectiveness and subsequent financial performance. The present study limits its scope to the context of firms listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX). Data was collected through the annual reports of listed firms' annual reports in ISX. This study used multivariate regression analysis to examine hypotheses that have been proposed using SPSS. The study found that tax incentives, government funding, and R&D investment have a significant positive relationship with financial performance. The study also found that innovation effectiveness has a significant relationship with financial performance. Moreover, innovation effectiveness was found to mediate significantly the relationships between tax incentives, government funding, R&D investment, and the financial performance of Iraqi firms. The study is useful as it gave further insights for Iraqi firm, especially relating to identifying the impact of tax incentives, government funding, and R&D investment on firms’ innovativeness and financial performance, which is much needed in the literature.

KEYWORDS:

Tax incentives, government funding, R&D investment, innovation effectiveness, financial performance.

REFERENCES
1) Akcigit, U., Hanley, D., & Stantcheva, S. (2021). Optimal taxation and R&D policies. https://doughanley.com/files/papers/ahs_rd_policies.pdf.

2) Akter, S., Wamba, S. F., Mariani, M., & Hani, U. (2021, 2021/08/01/). How to Build an AI Climate-Driven Service Analytics Capability for Innovation and Performance in Industrial Markets? Industrial Marketing Management, 97, 258-273. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2021.07.014

3) Al-Mamouri, M., & Hussein, A. (2023). Institutional Corruption and Fiscal Policy in Iraq: A Barrier to Private Sector Growth. Journal of Middle Eastern Economics, 45(2), 112-130.

4) Appelt, S., Bajgar, M., Criscuolo, C., & Galindo-Rueda, F. (2020). he Effects of R&D Tax Incentives and Their Role in the Innovation Policy Mix Findings from the OECD MicroBeRD Project, 2016–19. O. Publishing.

5) Arshi, T. A., Rao, V., Viswanath, S., & Begum, V. (2021). Measuring innovation effectiveness: a SEM-based cross-lagged analysis. International Journal of Innovation Science, 13(4), 437-455. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-08-2020-0111

6) Barney, J. (1986). Strategic factor markets: expectation, luck, business strategy. Management Secience, 32(10), 1231-1241.

7) Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.

8) Barrales-Molina, V., Bustinza, Ó. F., & Gutiérrez‐Gutiérrez, L. J. (2012). Explaining the Causes and Effects of Dynamic Capabilities Generation: A Multiple‐Indicator Multiple‐Cause Modelling Approach. British Journal of Management, 24(4), 571–591. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2012.00829.x

9) Bloom, N., Van Reenen, J., & Williams, H. (2019). A toolkit of policies to promote innovation. J. Econ. Perspect, 33(3), 163–184.

10) Chen, M.-C., & Li, H.-Y. (2018, 2018/12/01/). The effects and economic consequences of cutting R&D tax incentives. China Journal of Accounting Research, 11(4), 367-384. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjar.2018.07.003

11) Chen, X., Liu, Z., & Zhu, Q. (2018). Performance evaluation of China’s high-tech innovation process: Analysis based on the innovation value chain. Technovation, 74-75, 42–53. https://doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.technovation.2018.02.009

12) Colombo, M. G., & Murtinu, S. (2017). Venture capital investments in Europe and portfolio firms’ economic performance: independent versus corporate investors. Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, 26(1), 35-66.

13) Dai, X., & Chapman, G. (2021, 2021/11/19/). R&D tax incentives and innovation: Examining the role of programme design in China. Technovation, 102419. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2021.102419

14) Dekoulou, P., & Trivellas, P. (2017). Organizational structure, innovation performance and customer relationship value in the Greek advertising and media industry. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 32(3), 385-397. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-07-2015-0135

15) Eggert, A., Thiesbrummel, C., & Deutscher, C. (2014). Differential effects of product and service innovations on the financial performance of industrial firms. Journal of Business Market Management, 5(1), 380-405.

16) Farooq, R., Vij, S., & Kaur, J. (2021). Innovation orientation and its relationship with business performance: moderating role of firm size. Measuring Business Excellence, 25(3), 328-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-08-2020-0117

17) Ghazinoory, S., & Hashemi, Z. (2021, 2021/05/01/). Do tax incentives and direct funding enhance innovation input and output in high-tech firms? The Journal of High Technology Management Research, 32(1), 100394. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hitech.2020.100394

18) Goede, M. (2018). The corporation: a circular process of value creation. Archives of Business Research, 6(5), 113-124.

19) Hong, J., Feng, B., Wu, Y., & Wang, L. (2016, 2016/11/01/). Do government grants promote innovation efficiency in China's high-tech industries? Technovation, 57-58, 4-13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2016.06.001

20) Howlett, M. (2018). The criteria for effective policy design: character and context in policy instrument choice. J. Asian. Pub. Pol, 11(3), 245–266.

21) Huang, K. F., Lin, K. H., Wu, L. Y., & Yu, P. H. (2015). Absorptive capacity and autonomous R&D climate roles in firm innovation. Journal of Business Research, 66(1), 87-94.

22) ISX Annual Report. (2023). Iraq Stock Exchange Performance and Outlook. https://www.isx-iq.net/en/reports/

23) Kao, W.-C. (2018). Innovation quality of firms with the research and development tax credit. Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, 51(1), 43-78.

24) Kim, M., Kim, J.-e., Sawng, Y.-w., & Lim, K.-s. (2018). Impacts of innovation type SME’s R&D capability on patent and new product development. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 12(1), 45-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJIE-04-2018-043

25) Krammer, S. (2022). Innovation in Emerging Markets: Institutional, Cultural, and Economic Dynamics. Oxford University Press

26) Labeaga, J. M., Martínez-Ros, E., Sanchis, A., & Sanchis, J. A. (2021, 2021/12/01/). Does persistence in using R&D tax credits help to achieve product innovations? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 173, 121065. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121065

27) Li, H. (2022). Effects of innovation modes and network partners on innovation performance of young firms. European Journal of Innovation Management, 25(5), 1288-1308. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-12-2020-0511

28) Lin, G., Takahashi, Y., Nomura, H., & Yabe, M. (2022, 2022/03/01/). Policy incentives, ownership effects, and firm productivity—Evidence from China’s Agricultural Leading Firms Program. Economic Analysis and Policy, 73, 845-859. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2022.01.001

29) Lin, Y., Wang, Y., & Kung, L. A. (2015). Influences of cross-functional collaboration and knowledge creation on technology commercialization: evidence from high-tech industries. Industrial Marketing Management, 49(8), 128-138.

30) Liu, L., & Dong, C. (2022). The more funds the better? External funds, R&D investment and firm innovation: critical role of firm leaders' international experience. European Journal of Innovation Management, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-06-2022-0300

31) Lu, Q., & Chesbrough, H. (2021, 2021/12/03/). Measuring open innovation practices through topic modelling: Revisiting their impact on firm financial performance. Technovation, 102434. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2021.102434

32) Lü, Z., & Zhang, M. (2022, 2022/01/01/). Evaluation on financial support efficiency of new generation high-tech industry in China. Procedia Computer Science, 199, 254-261. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2022.01.031

33) Mina, A., Minin, A. D., Martelli, I., Testa, G., & Santoleri, P. (2021, 2021/01/01/). Public funding of innovation: Exploring applications and allocations of the European SME Instrument. Research Policy, 50(1), 104131. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2020.104131

34) National Investment Commission. (2021). Annual Report on Investment and Innovation Trends. https://investpromo.gov.iq/en/

35) Olavarrieta, S., & Ellinger, A. E. (1997). Resource-based theory and strategic logistics research [DOI: 10.1108/09600039710188594]. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 27(9), 559-587. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.psz.utm.my/10.1108/09600039710188594

36) Oltra, M. J., Flor, M. L., & Alfaro, J. A. (2018). Open innovation and firm performance: the role of organizational mechanisms. Business Process Management Journal, 24(3), 814-836. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-05-2016-0098

37) Pan, X., Guo, S., & Chu, J. (2021). P2P supply chain financing, R&D investment and companies' innovation efficiency. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 34(1), 578-597. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-07-2020-0258

38) Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press.

39) Porter, M. E. (1990). The Competitive Advantage of Nations. (cover story) [Article]. Harvard Business Review, 68(2), 73-93. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=9005210820&site=ehost-live

40) Porter, M. E. (1996). What is Strategy? Harvard Business Review, 74(6), 61-78.

41) Rothaermel, F. T. (2008). Competitive advantage in technology intensive industries. Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth, 18, 201-225.

42) Song, M., Wang, S., & Zhang, H. (2020, 2020/06/10/). Could environmental regulation and R&D tax incentives affect green product innovation? Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120849. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120849

43) Teece, D. J. (2007). Explicating dynamic capabilities: the nature and microfoundations of (sustainable) enterprise performance. Strategic Management Journal, 28(13), 1319-1350. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.640

44) Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 18(7), 509-533. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199708)18:7<509::AID-SMJ882>3.0.CO;2-Z

45) Tian, B., Yu, B., Chen, S., & Ye, J. (2020, 2020/12/01/). Tax incentive, R&D investment and firm innovation: Evidence from China. Journal of Asian Economics, 71, 101245. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asieco.2020.101245

46) UNDP. (2022). Private Sector Development in Iraq: Challenges and Opportunities. https://www.undp.org/iraq/publications/developing-private-sector-housing-finance-market-iraq

47) Veronica, S., Gabriele, S., Stefano, B., & Manlio, D. G. (2017). Shifting intra- and inter-organizational innovation processes towards digital business: an empirical analysis of SMEs. Creativity and Innovation Management, 26(3), 247-255.

48) Viviani, J., & Maurel, C. (2019). Performance of impact investing: a value creation approach. Research in International Business and Finance, 47, 31-39.

49) Walter, C. E., Au-Yong-Oliveira, M., Miranda Veloso, C., & Polónia, D. F. (2022). R&D tax incentives and innovation: unveiling the mechanisms behind innovation capacity. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 19(3), 367-388. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-06-2021-0194

50) Wan, Q., Chen, J., Yao, Z., & Yuan, L. (2022, 2022/01/01/). Preferential tax policy and R&D personnel flow for technological innovation efficiency of China's high-tech industry in an emerging economy. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 174, 121228. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121228

51) Wang, D. S. (2020). Association between technological innovation and firm performance in small and medium-sized enterprises. International Journal of Innovation Science, 11(2), 227-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-04-2018-0049

52) Wang, T., Yu, X., & Cui, N. (2020). The substitute effect of internal R&D and external knowledge acquisition in emerging markets. European Journal of Marketing, 54(5), 1117-1146. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-02-2019-0111

53) World Bank. (2022). Iraq Economic Monitor, Fall 2022: A New Opportunity to Reform. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq/publication/iraq-economic-monitor-fall-2022-a-new-opportunity-to-reform

54) World Bank. (2023). Iraq Economic Monitor: Balancing Recovery and Reform. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq/publication/iraq-economic-monitor-fall-2022-a-new-opportunity-to-reform

55) Xiang, D., Chen, J., Tripe, D., & Zhang, N. (2019, 2019/07/01/). Family firms, sustainable innovation and financing cost: Evidence from Chinese hi-tech small and medium-sized enterprises. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 144, 499-511. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.02.021

56) Xiao, T., Yang, Z., & Jiang, Y. (2023). The different effects of venture capital and the trade-off between product innovation effectiveness and efficiency. European Journal of Innovation Management, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 1-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-06-2022-0338

57) Xie, X., Hoang, T. T., & Zhu, Q. (2022, 2022/01/01/). Green process innovation and financial performance: The role of green social capital and customers’ tacit green needs. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(1), 100165. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100165

58) Yang, B., & Cao, N. (2019). R&D tax incentives: Continuous encouragement and enhanced supervision. Retrieved Febuary 22, 2022, from https://www.internationaltaxreview.com/article/b1j8xg2jkh68rz/rampd-tax-incentives-continuous-encouragement-and-enhanced-supervision

59) Yang, L., Xu, C., & Wan, G. (2019). Exploring the impact of TMTs’ overseas experiences on innovation performance of Chinese enterprises. Chinese Management Studies, 13(4), 1044-1085. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-12-2018-0791

60) Yang, Z., Shao, S., Li, C., & Yang, L. (2020, 2020/02/01/). Alleviating the misallocation of R&D inputs in China's manufacturing sector: From the perspectives of factor-biased technological innovation and substitution elasticity. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 151, 119878. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119878

61) Yu, A., Shi, Y., You, J., & Zhu, J. (2021, 2021/07/01/). Innovation performance evaluation for high-tech companies using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis approach. European Journal of Operational Research, 292(1), 199-212. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2020.10.011

62) Zhang, G., & Lee, Y. (2021). Determinants of Financial Performance in China’s Intelligent Manufacturing Industry: Innovation and Liquidity. International Journal of Financial Studies, 9(15), 1-18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/ 10.3390/ijfs9010015

63) Zhang, H., Li, L., Zhou, D., & Zhou, P. (2014, 2014/03/01/). Political connections, government subsidies and firm financial performance: Evidence from renewable energy manufacturing in China. Renewable Energy, 63, 330-336. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2013.09.029

64) Zhang, M., Qi, Y., Wang, Z., Pawar, K. S., & Zhao, X. (2018). How does intellectual capital affect product innovation performance? Evidence from China and India. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(3), 895-914.

65) Zhang, S., Wang, Z., Zhao, X., & Yang, J. (2022). Impacts of R&D investment on absorptive capacity and firm innovativeness: contingent roles of dysfunctional competition. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 42(10), 1630-1652. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-12-2021-0747

66) Zhou, K. Z., Gao, G. Y., & Zhao, H. (2017). State ownership and product innovation in China: an integrated view of institutional and efficiency logics. Administrative Science Quarterly, 62(2), 375-404.

67) Zhou, X., Cai, Z., Tan, K. H., Zhang, L., Du, J., & Song, M. (2021, 2021/06/01/). Technological innovation and structural change for economic development in China as an emerging market. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 167, 120671. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120671

68) Zhu, P., Xu, W., & Lundin, N. (2006, 2006/01/01/). The impact of government's fundings and tax incentives on industrial R&D investments—Empirical evidences from industrial sectors in Shanghai. China Economic Review, 17(1), 51-69. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2005.04.002

69) Zhu, W., Tian, Y., Hu, X., Ku, Q., & Dai, X. (2020). Research on relationship between government innovation funding and firms value creation using clustering-rough sets. Kybernetes, 49(2), 578-600. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-03-2019-0208
Volume 08 Issue 03 March 2025

Indexed In

Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar