Corporate Innovation Strategies – How Large Firms Sustain Competitive Advantage (corporate social responsibility perspective)

Rajat Saini

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Present research thesis aims to examine the Corporate Innovation Strategies- How Large Firms Sustain Competitive Advantage (Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective) with the main focus on the impact of skill development and training on employee innovation capabilities across Accenture, KPMG and TCS by making use of mixed-method approach utilizing primary as well as secondary data. Primary data was collected to examine the connection between the skill development & training methods and innovation capabilities of employees based on 155 responses from these firms. Statistical tools such as Correlation, Regression, ANOVA and T-Tests have been conducted for hypothesis testing. The results revel that employee innovation capabilities and outcomes are significantly improved by skill development and training, demonstrating strong correlations. With significant expenditures in R&D and learning technologies, Accenture exhibits the best efficacy in training and innovation. TCS makes significant investments in innovation and training, but the results are mediocre, suggesting a disconnect between efficacy and execution. KPMG has a more structured along with incremental method for fostering innovation, with modest levels of performance. The study also reveals that job experience and gender have little impact on an individual's capacity for innovation, highlighting the significance of corporate culture and procedures. Additionally, the findings recommend that companies grow human capital by combining radical and incremental innovation techniques. Overall, the study emphasizes how important it is to combine organizational practices, research and development (R&D), and training in order to build innovative skills and guarantee sustainable innovation outcomes. It provides firms with helpful information to enhance their training programs and better match them with their long-term innovation goals.

Keywords

Employee Training, Innovation Capability, Employee Creativity, Organizational Learning, Skill Development

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 4. 2026

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 27. 5. 2026
• Supervisor: Ing. Barbora Hřebíková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Lukáš Trnka, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme:
Business Administration