REIS - Respondents to pilot study

ATTACHMENT A
RURAL ESTABLISHMENT INNOVATION SURVEY

Revision date: October 10, 2012

Sponsored by:

Conducted by:

Economic Research Service
US Department of Agriculture

Social and Economic
Sciences Research Center
Washington State University

Contact: Tim W ojan
[email protected]
202-694-5419

Contact:
[email protected]
800-833-0867

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conducted under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2662(b).

YOUR RESPONSE IS VOLUNTARY. YOUR ANSWERS TO ALL QUESTIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL. All
information that is provided by participants to the National Survey of Business Competitiveness
will only be used for statistical research purposes and reported in summary form. Your name
and that of the business you represent will not be connected to your answers in any way. In
accordance with the Confidential Information Protection provisions of Title V, Subtitle A, Public
Law 107-347 and other applicable Federal laws, individual responses will be kept confidential
and will not be disclosed in identifiable form to anyone outside of the research team. By law,
every ERS and SESRC employee is subject to a jail term of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000
or both if he/she discloses any identifiable information about research participants.
Photo credit for cover photos: Shutterstock.com

1.

What is your job title?
job title

2.

Approximately what year did the business at this location begin operating?
year

3.

What is the main product or service at this business location?

4.

Does this business have only one location or more than one location?
1 Only one location  Skip to question 5
2 More than one location

4a.

(If more than one location) Is this location the business’s headquarters or is it a branch
location?
1 Headquarters
2 Branch location

5.

How important is each of these factors for locating this business in this community? (Check the
appropriate level of importance for each factor.)
Factor
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Not
Somewhat
Very
important important important
▼

Owner-ties to area............................................ 1
Availability of low-cost labor ............................ 1
Available skilled labor pool............................... 1
Access to transportation .................................. 1
Access to broadband or high speed internet ... 1
Access to material inputs ................................. 1
Access to customers ......................................... 1
Government incentives .................................... 1
Low taxes .......................................................... 1
Strong or growing local economy..................... 1

-3-

▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

▼

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Not
Don’t
applicable know
▼

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

▼

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

5a.

How important is each of these factors for making this community an attractive place to work?
(Check the appropriate level of importance for each factor.)
Not
Somewhat
Very
important important important

Factor
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

6.

▼

Opportunities for outdoor recreation ............. 1
Scenic beauty (e.g., natural or architectural) ... 1
Climate.............................................................. 1
Access to arts and entertainment .................... 1
Quality of local schools ..................................... 1
Access to health care ........................................ 1

▼

2
2
2
2
2
2

▼

Not
Don’t
applicable know
▼

3
3
3
3
3
3

▼

4
4
4
4
4
4

5
5
5
5
5
5

What was the average number of employees on your payroll in 2012, including all full-time and
part-time workers at this location?
# of employees

6a.

Were there workers at this business, NOT ON YOUR PAYROLL in 2012, such as independent
contractors, or temporary workers?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 7

6b.

(If yes) What was the average number of such workers in 2012?
# of workers

7.

During the past 12 months, did this business…
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

8a.

▼

Offer a health insurance option for any employees ........................................ 1
Offer a retirement plan .................................................................................... 1
Pay for employee education, professional development or training .............. 1
Offer paid maternity, paternity, or family leave .............................................. 1
Have an employee-ownership plan.................................................................. 1
Offer paid time off for employees to volunteer............................................... 1

No
▼

2
2
2
2
2
2

How many employees are managers at this location? (Managers are workers who direct or
oversee operations.)
# of managers

8b.

How many employees are professionals? (Professionals are employees such as engineers, or
accountants)
# of professionals
-4-

9.

For 2012, what is your best estimate of the average hourly wage for non-salaried workers at this
location?
average hourly wage
 Check here if you do not have any non-salaried workers.

10.

In 2012, at this location, what percent of employees were in the following occupational
categories? (Please answer in either number of employees or in percents. Percent should equal
100%.)
Number of
Employees

Percent of
Employees

a.
Management and professional ........................................................
b.
Services .............................................................................................
c.
Sales and office support ..................................................................
d.
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance ........................
e. Production, transportation, and material moving ...........................

%
%
%
%
%
= 100%

Occupational category

▼

▼

10a. For each occupational category what was the minimum educational level needed in 2012? (Check
the appropriate level of education for each occupational category.)
Occupational category

Less than
high school

or no specific
education

a.
b.
c.
d.

▼

Management and professional ............ 1
Services ................................................. 1
Sales and office support ....................... 1
Natural resources, construction, and
maintenance ......................................... 1
e. Production, transportation, and
material moving.................................... 1

11.

At least
At least
HS diploma Assoc degree/

or GED
▼

2
2
2

vocational
certification
▼

3
3
3

At least
four-year

More than
four-year

degree

degree

4
4
4

5
5
5

college
▼

college
▼

2

3

4

5

2

3

4

5

Is any part of the workforce unionized or covered by a collective bargaining agreement?
1 Yes
2 No

12.

In the last 3 years, how difficult has it been to find qualified applicants for your workforce, not
including managers and professionals?
1 Very difficult
2 Somewhat difficult
3 Not difficult  Skip to question 13
-5-

12a. (If very or somewhat difficult) Why has it been difficult to find qualified applicants for your
workforce? Is it…

a.
b.
c.
d.

13.

Yes

No

Quality of the labor pool ...................................................................... 1
Increases in required skills and knowledge .......................................... 1
Insufficient number of workers available locally ................................. 1
Limited interest among job seekers for openings at this business ...... 1

2
2
2
2

▼

▼

Does this business have written position descriptions?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 14

13a. Are training requirements documented in those position descriptions?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 14

13b. Does this business track whether employees complete or if they have already
completed these training requirements?
1 Yes
2 No

14.

Are the following technologies currently used at this business?
Yes

No

a. Personal computers/laptops, not including smartphones............................... 1

2

▼

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

Broadband or high speed internet ................................................................... 1
Sale of products or services over the internet (e-commerce) ........................ 1
Supplies purchased over the internet (e-procurement) ................................. 1
Web advertising................................................................................................ 1
Direct e-mail marketing .................................................................................... 1
Social media (e.g., LinkedIn or Facebook) ....................................................... 1
Business issued smartphones to employees .................................................... 1
RFID readers, barcode or optical scanners (e.g., Radio Frequency
Identification) ................................................................................................... 1
j. Computer software specifically designed for your business or industry ......... 1
k. An integrated enterprise resource planning system (e.g., SAP or Microsoft
Dynamics, or Oracle Applications that include accounting, logistics,
human resources, sales management, along with other functions)................ 1
l. Stand alone supply chain, logistics management software ............................. 1
m. Stand alone customer relationship management software ............................ 1

-6-

▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

If no, skip
to

question
17

15.

What percent of the sale of products or services comes from the internet?
 Check here if you do not sell any products or services over the internet.
% of sales from internet

16.

What percent of your workforce, not including managers and professionals, uses computers on a
daily basis?
% of workforce use a computer

17.

Which of the following factors have limited this business’s use of information and
communications technology?
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

18.

▼

The cost of equipment and software ............................................................... 1
The cost of information and communications services ................................... 1
Lack of access to adequate broadband or high speed internet ....................... 1
Lack of knowledge ............................................................................................ 1
Difficulty integrating new technologies into the current way
you do business ................................................................................................ 1

▼

2
2
2
2

2

Businesses obtain information about new opportunities or new ways of doing things from many
sources. Which sources have been most valuable for this firm?
Not at all Somewhat
Very
valuable valuable valuable

Sources of new information
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

19.

No

▼

Suppliers ......................................................................................... 1
Customers....................................................................................... 1
Other business people in your industry ......................................... 1
Other business people NOT in your industry ................................. 1
Business/trade association conferences or publications ............... 1
Your own employees ...................................................................... 1
Media (e.g., newspapers, television, internet) .............................. 1
Private consultants ......................................................................... 1
University extension, community colleges, or business schools ... 1

▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

▼

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Of the sources identified as very valuable, where are they located?
In
Outside community Beyond a
your
within a
reasonable
community reasonable drive
drive
▼
▼
▼

2
2

3
3

Not
Applicable
▼

2

3

4

2

3

4

a. Suppliers providing valuable information ..... 1
b. Customers providing valuable information ... 1
c. Other business people in your industry
providing valuable information ..................... 1
d. Other business people NOT in your
industry providing valuable information ....... 1

-7-

4
4

20.

Approximately what percent of 2012 final shipments or billed services went to customers…
(Total should equal 100%.)
 Check here if you did not have any sales in 2012.
a. Locally, within a reasonable drive ...........................
b. Beyond a reasonable drive in the United States ....
c. Internationally .........................................................

21.

%
%
%
= 100%

Was this location in business in 2007?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 22

21a. What is your best guess of the percent of 2007 final shipments or billed services that went
to customers… (Total should equal 100%.)

 Check here if you did not have any sales in 2007.
a. Locally, within a reasonable drive ...........................
b. Beyond a reasonable drive in the United States ....
c. Internationally .........................................................

22.

= 100%

%
%
%

In 2012, what percent of goods and services sold by this business were sold to… (Total should
equal 100%.)
 Check here if you did not have any sales in 2012.
a. Other businesses .........................
b. Government ................................
c. Individuals....................................

23.

= 100%

%
%
%

Is the current market for your products or services…
1 Growing
2 Stable
3 Declining
4 Mixed (i.e., some are declining, others growing)
5 Uncertain

24.

Does this business require employees to document good work practices and lessons learned?
1 Yes
2 No
-8-

25.

How often does this business monitor customer satisfaction through analysis of complaints,
customer satisfaction surveys, focus groups, or other methods?
1 Never
2 Occasionally
3 Regularly

26.

How often are processes changed to fix problems indentified through customer complaints?
1 Never
2 Occasionally
3 Regularly

27.

In the last 3 years did this business…
Yes

No

Not
applicable

a. Produce any new or significantly improved goods ........................ 1
b. Provide any new or significantly improved services ...................... 1
c. Introduce new or significantly improved methods
of manufacturing or producing goods or services ......................... 1
d. Introduce new or significantly improved logistics, delivery, or
distribution methods for your inputs, goods, or services .............. 1
e. Introduce new or significantly improved support activities
for your processes .......................................................................... 1
f. Introduce new or significant improvements
in your marketing methods ............................................................ 1

2
2

3
3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

▼

28.

▼

In the last 3 years, did this business have any improvement or innovation activities that were…
Yes

No

a. Abandoned ....................................................................................................... 1
b. Incomplete........................................................................................................ 1

2
2

▼

29.

▼

▼

Did you check “Yes” to any answers in question 27 or question 28?
1 Yes  Skip to question 30 on the next page
2 No

29a. Please tell us why improvement or innovation activities have not been necessary or
possible.

If you answered ‘yes’ to question 29, continue to question 30 on the next page.
If you answered ‘no’ to question 29 and answered 29a, skip to question 35 on page 11.

-9-

30.

In 2012, did this business sell any new or significantly improved goods or services with the
following improvements?
Yes
No
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

31.

▼

Improved performance .................................................................................... 1
More user-friendly............................................................................................ 1
Reduced costs ................................................................................................... 1
New features .................................................................................................... 1
New service capabilities ................................................................................... 1

▼

2
2
2
2
2

In the last 3 years, did this business start selling any new or significantly improved goods or
services before your competitors in at least one of your markets? (Include a product even if it was
available in another market.)
1 Yes
2 No
3 Uncertain

32.

In 2012, what percent of this business’s sales came from new or significantly improved goods or
services? (If none, enter zero.)
%

33.

In the last 3 years, did this business engage in any of the following innovation-related activities?
Yes
▼

a. In-house research and development (R&D) to increase knowledge
or devise innovations ....................................................................................... 1
b. Purchase research and development (R&D) from research organizations
or other branches of this business ................................................................... 1
c. Conduct in-house design activities to improve aesthetics
of product or packaging.................................................................................... 1
d. Purchase design services .................................................................................. 1
e. Purchase machinery, equipment, computers or software
to implement innovations ................................................................................ 1
f. Purchase or license patents or inventions to implement innovations ............ 1
g. Purchase knowledge or expertise to implement innovations ......................... 1
h. Plan, engineer, design, or conduct other development work
to implement innovations ................................................................................ 1
i. Train staff to develop or introduce innovations .............................................. 1
j. Market research, advertising, and other marketing activities linked
to implementing innovations ........................................................................... 1

- 10 -

No
▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

34.

In the current environment, if excess cash were available, how likely is it that these funds would
be used to…
Not at all
Most
Probably definitely
likely
▼
▼
▼
a. Provide additional training of employees ..................................... 1
2
3

3
b. Repay debt...................................................................................... 1
2
c. Provide a reserve or cushion .......................................................... 1
2
3
d. Fund additional innovation projects .............................................. 1
2
3
e. Fund additional investment projects,
such as replacing old equipment or for expansion ........................ 1
2
3

35.

Does this business produce products or provide services in any of the five green sectors?
Yes
No
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

36.

▼

Produce renewable energy .............................................................................. 1
Increase energy efficiency ................................................................................ 1
Conserve natural resources .............................................................................. 1
Prevent, reduce, or clean up pollution............................................................. 1
Produce clean transportation fuels .................................................................. 1

▼

2
2
2
2
2

In the last 3 years did this business participate in any patent applications?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 37
3 Don’t know  Skip to question 37

36a.

In the last 3 years how many patent applications did this business participate in?
# of patent applications

36b. In the last 3 years how many patent applications were successful?
# of successful patent applications

37.

In the last 3 years did this business…
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.

▼

Register an industrial design ............................................................................ 1
Register a trademark ........................................................................................ 1
Produce materials eligible for copyright .......................................................... 1
Use trade secret protections (e.g. non-disclosure agreements,
non-compete clauses or sought remedies for misappropriation) ................... 1

- 11 -

No
▼

2
2
2

2

38.

During the economic recession (2008-2009) period, to what extent did this business commit
resources to innovate?
1 Increased resources for innovation activities
2 There was no change in innovation resources
3 Delayed or decreased resources for innovation
4 Not applicable, e.g. not in business at that time

39.

Compared to 2012, in this current year (2013) would you say resources for innovation at this
business have been…
1 Increased
2 Kept the same
3 Decreased

40.

Over the last three years has this business…
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

41.

Yes
▼

Increased variety of goods or services offered ................................................ 1
Increased market share or entered new markets ........................................... 1
Begun exporting goods or services................................................................... 1
Reduced time to respond to customer needs.................................................. 1
Improved flexibility of production or service provision ................................... 1
Increased capacity of production or service provision .................................... 1
Reduced labor costs per unit output................................................................ 1
Reduced materials and energy required per unit output ................................ 1
Improved employee satisfaction/reduced worker turnover ........................... 1

No
▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

The following is a list of factors related to this business’s location. For each one please tell us how
much of a problem it is for this business’s ability to compete.
Not a
problem

Factor
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

▼

Zoning or development regulations ............................................... 1
Vitality of local economy ................................................................ 1
Access to financial, legal, and other business services .................. 1
Access to equipment and software suppliers ................................ 1
Access to training courses ............................................................. 1
Access to transportation/freight forwarding
facilities and services ...................................................................... 1
Availability of broadband or high speed internet .......................... 1
Local availability of mobile or cellular service................................ 1
Local roads and bridges ................................................................. 1
Cost of facilities and land ............................................................... 1
Attractiveness of area to managers and professionals ................. 1
Quality of primary and secondary schools ..................................... 1
Environmental regulations ............................................................ 1
State and local tax rate ................................................................... 1

- 12 -

A minor
problem
▼

A major
problem
▼

2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

42.

How involved in promoting business are the following institutions in your community?
Not at all
active/ Somewhat
Not present active
▼

a. Local government development effort
1. Village, town or city ................................................ 1
2. County..................................................................... 1
3. Regional or multi-county ........................................ 1
b. Business association (e.g., Chamber of Commerce) ... 1
c. College, university or extension support for local
business ........................................................................ 1
d. Community foundations or nonprofit organizations ... 1
e. Local investors .............................................................. 1
f. Banks............................................................................. 1

Very
active

Don’t
know

2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4

▼

▼

42a. How much civic leadership does THIS business provide in the community?
1 None
2 Some
3 A lot

43.

Do you have a good understanding of the decisions that led to the founding of this business?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 44 on the next page

43a. (If Yes) Was the business originally founded around a new or customized product or
service that was created by one of the founders of the business?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 44 on the next page
3 Don’t know  Skip to question 44 on the next page

43b. (If Yes) Thinking about this new or customized product or service, why was it
originally developed?

1 One of the founders created it for personal use
2 One of the founders created it for use at a previous job or business
3 One of the founders identified a business opportunity

- 13 -

▼

44.

The final section of the survey is to assess which types of government or government-sponsored
programs are the most helpful to businesses. If you used, please rate how important each
program has been for this business in the last 3 years.
If Used, how important
was this program?

Used?
Program

Yes
▼

No
▼

a. Direct loans from a government agency (e.g.,
USDA B&I Direct Loan) .............................................. 1
b. Government insurance or guarantee for loans
(e.g., SBA 7(a) Loan Program) ................................... 1
c. Revolving loan funds run by a nonprofit or
government organization .......................................... 1
d. Tax incentives by state and/or local government,
including enterprise zones, urban revitalization
areas, Tax Increment Financing districts ................... 1
e. Government-assisted industrial parks or business
incubators .................................................................. 1
f. Government-funded technology assistance
programs.................................................................... 1
g. Government-assisted worker-training programs...... 1
h. National Innovation Marketplace.............................. 1

45.

Not
Somewhat
Very
Important Important Important
▼
▼
▼

2 ......... 1

2

3

2 ......... 1

2

3

2 ......... 1

2

3

2 ......... 1

2

3

2 ......... 1

2

3

2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1

2
2
2

3
3
3

Did this business try to borrow money for any purpose over the past three years?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 47 on the next page
3 Don’t know  Skip to question 47 on the next page

45a. Please indicate the sources you tried to borrow from below. If you did try to borrow money from
a source, how much of the funding did you receive?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j
k.
l.
m.

Tried to borrow $?
Yes
No
▼

Commercial bank ............................................................ 1
Savings & Loan or credit union ....................................... 1
Finance or leasing company ........................................... 1
Insurance or mortgage company .................................... 1
Family or friends .............................................................. 1
Federal, state or local government ................................. 1
Credit or advance from a customer ................................ 1
Angel capital funding ....................................................... 1
Venture capital funding .................................................. 1
Personal sources of funds (other than credit cards) ....... 1
Personal home equity loan.............................................. 1
Other personal loan......................................................... 1
Personal credit card......................................................... 1
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▼

If Yes, amount received?
Some None
All
▼

2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2 ......... 1
2

▼

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

▼

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

46.

How were the funds this business borrowed or wanted to borrow to be used?
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

47.

▼

Cash flow or operating costs ............................................................................ 1
Real estate or structures .................................................................................. 1
Replacement of old industrial plant location, equipment or vehicles ............. 1
Investment in additional plant, equipment or vehicles ................................... 1
Repayment of debt ........................................................................................... 1
Reserve or cushion ........................................................................................... 1
Inventory .......................................................................................................... 1
Fund innovation projects.................................................................................. 1
Investment in intangible assets such as branding, training, or design ............ 1

No
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

Over the past 3 years, were business profits (retained earnings) used to finance the business?
1 Yes
2 No  Skip to question 48

47a. Compared with borrowed funds, how important were business profits for funding
investment?

1 More important
2 Less important
3 Equally important
4 Don’t know/Not applicable

48.

Which of the following best describes your current position?
1 Mid level manager
2 Senior manager
3 Executive/owner
4 Other, please describe:

49.

▼

Which statement best describes your familiarity with how innovation is carried out in this
business?
1 Not familiar
2 Slightly familiar
3 Moderately familiar
4 Strongly familiar
5 Completely familiar

- 15 -

50.

What is your gender?
1 Male
2 Female

51.

How long have you been employed at this business?
years employed

52.

That is my last question. If you have any additional comments about this survey or innovation in
general, please write them in the box below.

Thank you!!
Please return your completed questionnaire to:
National Survey of Business Competitiveness
Social & Economic Sciences Research Center
Washington State University
PO Box 641801
Pullman, WA 99164-1801

- 16 -