On problems and technology innovation implementation in micro, small and medium enterprises: An evidence from Indian Northern region using situation-actor-process-learning-action-performance framework

Abstract

The paper aims to identify problems and technology innovation initiatives among micro, small and medium enterprises that effect their performance. The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of problems faced by micro, small and medium enterprises and study the technology innovation implementation (technology innovation initiative) dimensions through case studies conducted in selected manufacturing firms in the Northern region in India. This study proposes a two-stage approach. In the first stage, the author gathered responses with a well-structured questionnaire on problems and technology innovation initiatives affecting manufacturing performance using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. In the next stage, the validation of stage 1 findings was carried out to authenticate the proposition that technology innovation initiatives affect performance through case studies conducted in selected manufacturing firms situated in the Northern region of the country. For conducting case studies, the widely used flexible systems methodology, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and situation-actor-process-learning-action-performance analysis have been employed in the present study. The results from the study can act as an important guide for entrepreneur, practitioners and academicians. The results of the study show that effective implementation of technology innovation initiatives can contribute to enhance manufacturing performance of micro, small and medium enterprises in India. The research presents a better understanding of the problems that are hindering the successful implementation of technology innovation in micro, small and medium enterprises. Further, the two case studies provide valuable insights into technology innovation dimensions in two firms and highlight the methodology to be adopted by the companies towards their manufacturing performance enhancement. This study reveals the problems and technology innovation dimensions of micro, small and medium enterprises, their status and the impact of technology innovation initiatives on manufacturing performance of micro, small and medium enterprises. This, in turn, helps the stakeholder to comprehend the concept of technology innovation in a much simpler way.