The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence control systems on innovation performance of medium-sized firms. The study adopts Simons’ levers of control (LOC) framework to examine the control systems used by top managers. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 156 Malaysian medium-sized manufacturing firms in Malaysia. The findings show that control levers have positive relationship with innovation performance. As one of control levers, interactive control systems contribute the most in enhancing innovation followed by belief systems. Boundary systems show significant negative influence on innovation. However, diagnostic control systems do not show significant relationship to innovation.