Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/crdj-2026-0006
Heterogeneity in Personal Innovativeness: Evidence from a Cluster Analysis
Dinko Primorac
; University North, Croatia
Abstract
Individual readiness to engage with innovation represents an important component of broader economic and development processes. This study examines the structure and heterogeneity of personal innovativeness in the Croatian context using survey data collected from 400 respondents. A 20-item instrument capturing both pro-innovative behaviours and resistance to innovation was analysed using principal component analysis, which revealed a stable two-dimensional structure distinguishing proactive innovativeness and attitudinal openness to innovation. Based on these dimensions, cluster analysis identified three distinct profiles of individuals: High Innovators, Cautious Adopters, and Moderate Individuals. The results indicate that personal innovativeness is not uniformly distributed but organised into clearly differentiated behavioural segments. Further analysis shows statistically significant differences across clusters in education, age, and gender, with higher levels of innovativeness associated with higher educational attainment and younger age groups. The findings suggest that individual-level innovation potential is embedded in the socio-demographic structure, with implications for the design of development-oriented policies and organisational practices to foster innovation in Croatia.
Keywords
Personal innovativeness; cluster analysis; principal component analysis; innovation profiles; socio-demographic differences; Croatia; innovation and development
Hrčak ID:
346434
URI
Publication date:
20.4.2026.
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