Innovation performance measurement: research into Czech business practice

Ondrej Zizlavsky

doi:10.1080/1331677x.2016.1235983

Ondrej Zizlavsky

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677x.2016.1235983

Copy DOI

Abstract

This article deals with innovation performance and its measurement. The objective is to present the measuring of innovation performance as it is implemented in today’s Czech business environment. It begins with a comprehensive theory and the definition of essential terms. The theoretical part is followed by the analysis of the current state of the issue from the perspective of enterprises in the Czech Republic. The analysis consists of four own primary questionnaire surveys. The research outputs reveal weaknesses in current approaches to innovation effectiveness measurement. Our enterprises use all possible means to increase productivity and achieve operational excellence. However, they tend to neglect the important area of research and development. It has been proven, with help of questionnaire surveys, that many enterprises still do not measure innovation performance despite the importance of innovation as an engine of growth. Only a few organisations appear to have an effective system for measuring their overall innovation performance.

Highlights

In the current economic situation enterprises face great challenges relating to competitiveness
Questionnaire: In order to ascertain the real situation in innovation performance measurement in Czech enterprises, a questionnaire survey was conducted in our small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
In 2009 the results suggested that innovations are mostly performed by medium enterprises (45% of respondents) followed by large enterprises (30% of respondents) with small and micro enterprises at the tail

Summary

Introduction

In the current economic situation enterprises face great challenges relating to competitiveness. They must react flexibly to the changing business environment and customers’ demands. Meeting such changeable requirements brings constant pressure for innovation. Innovation is the basis of sustainable growth in an enterprise. No matter how high the investment in innovation, there is no guarantee that it is being spent efficiently. It is necessary to innovate wisely and with focus. Such activity requires that the enterprise is able to continuously evaluate ongoing innovation projects and use this data to make decisions on whether to continue

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion