Technological Innovations in Small Firms in the North-East of England

Abstract

In the north-east of England technological innovations by small firms follow a broad pattern in terms of dimensions, causal factors and sources of innovation. Product innovators owe their innovations largely to management motivation and growth ambition. They perceive the need for a particular product in the market and work towards its development in-house. Internal technical capability is decisive. Thus, product innovations emerge due to internal factors. The innovative products are patented and exhibited in national and international exhibitions and advertised in professional journals. As a result, the firms export a considerable share of their output and grow larger. Such firms are ‘offensive’ or ‘proactive’ innovators. They are innovation leaders. Incremental innovators either substitute a raw material to produce an existing product, or change the product shape/dimension/design on their own initiative or in response to their customers. Some upgrade their existing machinery or acquire new machinery for expansion or product diversification. Others introduce existing products due to customer demand or to enable further growth. They are decisive in their incremental innovations. The companies upgrade their technology or skills and change product shape, dimension or design with external support. In-house R&D is largely absent. Thus, incremental innovators emerge due to external factors. These firms are ‘defensive’ or ‘reactive’ innovators. They are innovation followers.