Innovation In SMEs Research Articles

기술혁신형 중소기업에 대한 정부의 복합적 연구개발 지원 성과에 관한 연구

Korean SMEs are constantly striving to increase corporate and international competitiveness through continuous product and service innovation in the era of global crisis. In this situation, governments such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups have also continuously promoted support for innovation of SMEs and strengthening international competitiveness. R&D is emphasized as the most representative means of policy support. It is important to secure financial resources for SMEs' R&D. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of a complex policy combination that simultaneously considers R&D subsidies, R&D tax cuts, and R&D loan support in terms of financing R&D of SMEs. As a research method to investigate this, the corporate performance according to the government's complex R&D support method was analyzed through a survey and financial data(2011-2022) targeting 3,000 SMEs with high technology levels. As a result of the analysis, government R&D subsidies have a positive (+) effect on R&D expenses of companies, R&D tax reduction has a positive (+) effect on sales, operating profit and net profit, and R&D loan support has a positive (+) effect only on operating profit. Companies that received all three complex policy combinations, R&D subsidies, R&D tax cuts, and R&D loan support, showed a positive (+) effect in net income, and the combination of R&D tax reduction and R&D loan support showed a positive (+) effect in operating profit and net income. On the other hand, companies that received R&D subsidies and R&D loan support at the same time showed a decrease in sales. The implications of the analysis results are that the company's performance is greater in the support of the policy combination method than the effect of single support. Policy suggestions were made accordingly.

The evolution of regional triple helix food sector SME interventions: a longitudinal study, Wales, UK

ABSTRACT This paper explores the effectiveness of regional intervention strategies aimed at enhancing ‘low-tech’ SMEs’ sustainable competitive advantage and innovation activities, employing the food sector in Wales (UK) as a case study. It utilizes the triple helix model to analyse these interventions, emphasising collaboration between government, academia, and industry to stimulate knowledge-based economic development. The food sector represents an ideal subject for innovation-focused regional development policies because of its global importance, sustainability concerns, health impact and economic outcomes. A mixed-methods longitudinal case study approach was taken, evaluating a series of intervention programmes over an extended period (12 years in total), all funded by the European Union via the Welsh Government. Data sources included program reports, management committee reports, interviews, and case study testimonials. Frequent intervention activities included quality systems development, technical support, and skills training. They notably improved product and processing innovation for SMEs, key performance indicators revealing over 1,800 new products, safeguarding around 2,300 food sector jobs, and supporting 64 new business start-ups. Findings emphasized the value of consistent policies over an extended time period, albeit with the potential for lock-in effects. Future programme goals should be adapted for broader sustainable development outcomes – these are not uniquely Welsh challenges.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND INNOVATION AS A STRATEGIC BUSINESS RESILIENCE EFFORT FOR BATIK AND WEAVING BUSINESS ACTORS

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the factors affecting economic resilience in the batik and weaving SME industry in Indonesia, focusing on Pekalongan Batik, Yogyakarta Batik, and Tenun Sengkang. Theoretical Reference: This study integrates National Resilience Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) to form a robust basis for business resilience, emphasizing community empowerment and innovation. Community empowerment builds batik and weaving businesses on skilled human resources, while innovation facilitates adaptation and growth. Together, they address external challenges like global competition and shifting consumer preferences, enhancing the resilience of batik and weaving enterprises. Method: The research method used was a qualitative approach with descriptive data collection through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The focus of this research is on empowerment and innovation in SMEs of Pekalongan Batik, Yogyakarta Batik, and Sengkang Weaving in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi. Results and Conclusion: The study reveals that batik and weaving entrepreneurs highly value competitor analysis and the adoption of competitive best practices. Government support through community empowerment initiatives is vital for industry growth, offering crucial assistance such as training, education, and market expansion. Continuous community empowerment and regular program evaluations are essential. Effective collaboration among government, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders is key to fostering a supportive business environment, significantly enhancing the batik and weaving sector's development and overall welfare. Implication of Research: Effective community empowerment hinges on the collaboration among government, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, ensuring planning, implementation, and evaluation involve all parties. This approach fosters synergies and enhances program effectiveness. Involving entrepreneurs in decision-making tailors programs to actual business needs, while government should ensure entrepreneurs have access to necessary training and education. Orginality Value: This study introduces novel aspects by focusing on the batik and weaving SMEs in Indonesia's specific regions (Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, Sengkang), offering detailed insights into their unique challenges and potentials. It employs a comprehensive approach to business transformation, considering marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and other performance-related factors, thus providing a wider view on industry development. Additionally, it emphasizes the government's role in fostering a supportive business ecosystem through community empowerment initiatives and highlights the significance of government support, training, education, and collaboration for industry advancement.

Blockchain and Open Innovation for SMEs: Analytical framework and decision model

En raison de leur manque de ressources internes, les PME sont les entreprises qui ont le plus à gagner en s’engageant dans un processus d’innovation ouverte (IO). Cependant, et en particulier en raison de leur vulnérabilité aux comportements opportunistes, ces entreprises éprouvent également les plus grandes difficultés à mettre en œuvre l’IO. À cet égard, la technologie Blockchain présente des propriétés intéressantes qui pourraient aider les PME à se protéger de l’opportunisme et des dangers liés à l’IO. Cet article vise à comprendre l’impact possible de la blockchain sur les PME dans le contexte de l’IO. Notre analyse théorique indique que la Blockchain a un impact positif sur les processus d’IO basés sur le marché et sur les processus d’IO collaboratives impliquant des ensembles de tâches bien définies et des connaissances codifiées. Cependant, la blockchain semble moins adaptée aux processus d’IO impliquant des connaissances tacites et des résultats de recherche ambigus ou incertains. Nous mettons également en avant des résultats concernant le rôle de la confiance et des intermédiaires de l’IO. Enfin, nous proposons un modèle de décision pour les PME concernant leur mise en œuvre de la blockchain dans un contexte d’IO.

Bitesize Product Development and Marketing Innovation in Tempeh Chips Food SMEs

Bitesize Product Development and Marketing Innovation in Tempeh Chips Food SMEs

Coupling of SME innovation and innovation in regional economic prosperity with machine learning and IoT technologies using XGBoost algorithm

Coupling of SME innovation and innovation in regional economic prosperity with machine learning and IoT technologies using XGBoost algorithm

How do commitment-based HRM practices and a developmental culture interact to foster open innovation in SMEs?

This paper aims to bring new insights into the role of commitment-based human resource management practices in open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, the goal is to enhance comprehension of the aforementioned interactions by considering the mediating effect of developmental culture. Data were collected from owners and managers of 131 small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the service and manufacturing sectors in Albania. The study employed a quantitative research instrument, namely online surveys. To yield results and extract figures, the study applied partial least squares-structural equation modeling, examining the interrelationships among constructs. The empirical results highlight the direct effects of commitment-based human resource management practices and developmental culture on open innovation. Specifically, the study reveals that commitment-based human resource management practices have a significant role in promoting open innovation (O = 0.598, t = 10.057, p = 0.000). Additionally, the findings indicate that developmental culture serves as a complementary factor by mediating the connection between commitment-based human resource management practices and open innovation (O = 0.136, t = 1.789, p = 0.037). This study draws the attention of business owners and strategy developers circumnavigating the Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises environment. Barring certain limitations, it enthralls their propensity toward innovation, aligning it with an enabling business culture. AcknowledgmentThis work is supported by Tomas Bata University internal grants, FaME TBU No. IGA/FaME/2023/012 “Closed and open innovation: role of human resource, servant leadership, digitalization, and uncertainty.”

Collaborative innovation, strategic agility, & absorptive capacity adoption in SMEs: the moderating effects of customer knowledge management capability

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between collaborative innovation and the financial performance of information technology (IT) firms through the mediating role of strategic agility and absorptive capacity. Customer knowledge management capability (CKMC) is also explored as a potential moderator.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 300 respondents working in different small to medium IT enterprises operating in different cities around Portugal. The simple random sampling method was used for data collection, and Smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling (Smart PLS-SEM version 3.2.8) was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that collaborative innovation contributes significantly to the financial performance of IT firms in Portugal. The results also indicate that absorptive capacity and strategic agility both positively and significantly affect the relationship between collaborative innovation and firms’ financial performance. However, while the moderating role of CKMC has a positive and significant effect on the relation between collaborative innovation and strategic agility, CKMC insignificantly moderates the relation between collaborative innovation and absorptive capacity.Originality/valueFew studies have explicitly connected collaborative innovation with firms’ financial performance; this study attempts to fill that gap. Moreover, this research investigates the mediating role of strategic agility and absorptive capacity in the relationship between collaborative innovation and financial performance. Finally, by discussing the moderating effect of CKMC, which leads to enhanced financial performance, this study proposes that when complex and unpredictable situations occur, managers should focus on customer-oriented strategies and innovation at the same time to outpace their competitors.

Investigating the Role of Innovation Capabilities and the Impact of Knowledge Transfer and Open Innovation Implementation on SME Performance in Yogyakarta

The study aims to examine the role of innovation capabilities and the impact of knowledge transfer and open innovation on the SMEs’ performance in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Although previous research on open innovation has been conducted in Indonesia, it has not been specific to this region, and there are variables that still need to be explored concerning improving SMEs’ performance. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap through research. An online questionnaire with a five-point Likert points was distributed to respondents who work actively and occupy functional positions in SMEs in Yogyakarta. A total of 202 respondents contributed to this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM with the SmartPLS tool. The results of this research reveal that the variables of knowledge transfer and open innovation positively influence SMEs performance and Innovation capabilities have a role in this relationship. Openness to innovation triggered by innovation capabilities will later encourage business practitioners to continuously innovate in their business performance, such as innovation in improving product quality. In this case, businesses need to consider the critical role of knowledge transfer in improving business performance. This study contributes to enriching the literature related to the concept of open innovation and SME performance. Additionally, the results of this study provide valuable insights for business practitioners to implement these three variables to enhance of their business performance.

Examining the Relationship between Innovation Activity and Corporate Cooperation among Small and Medium-sized Business Operating in the Slovak ICT Sector

The innovation process is a key factor in developing and maintaining competitiveness; therefore, the SME sector should focus on innovation as well. Examining the impact of corporate cooperation on innovation activity is a crucial element. The main goal of the research is to assess the innovative activity and corporate cooperation of micro enterprises and SMEs operating in the ICT sector. In accordance with the main goal of our research, a hypothesis was formulated regarding the relationship between participating in formal networks and innovative activity as follows: There is a relationship between innovation activity and corporate cooperation. We use descriptive statistical methods, i.e., unweighted and weighted arithmetic means, as well as a structural analysis method to test our hypothesis. To verify our subhypothesis H (1a), we had to examine the innovative activity of the domestic SMEs participating in the research. According to our second subhypothesis H (1b), we stated that innovative SMEs are more likely to be members of cooperation networks than noninnovative businesses are. The second subhypothesis H(1b) is accepted. However, we could not detect a significant difference or hostile behaviour among the innovative and noninnovative SMEs since both groups of companies participated in co-operation networks at a similar rate, as they were not members of formal co-operation networks. Since our third subhypothesis—the formal network co-operations influence the form of assistance used during innovation activity—supporting the main hypothesis was rejected, the main hypothesis was also rejected. Therefore, a significant relationship can be detected between innovation activity and corporate cooperation among domestic SMEs. Based on data analysis from research carried out at the beginning of 2021, Slovakia was ranked among moderate innovators based on the innovation performance of EU countries in 2019. If more companies were to participate in future research, it might be possible that a connection between corporate cooperation and innovation activity could also be discovered in Slovakia. A proposal was formulated based on the results of the primary data analysis. Since no significant relationship could be detected for these two factors, the obtained research results did not match, and the results were opposite to the results obtained during the Netnes epidemic.

ESTRATÉGIA EMPRESARIAL E INOVAÇÃO DE PRODUTOS NAS PMES: O PAPEL MEDIADOR DAS REDES EMPRESARIAIS

ABSTRACT Product innovation is essential for the growth and profitability of SMEs. Existing scientific evidence suggests that firm strategy and participation in business networks could influence this innovation. In turn, participation in networks might influence the configuration and allocation of the organizational resources and capabilities that help shape firm strategy. Hence, this study analyzes business networks as a mediator between firm strategy and product innovation in SMEs. It uses a sample of 205 SMEs from Costa Rica compiled by the Global Competitiveness Project. The proposed mediation is tested using OLS regression equations. The findings show that business networks do indeed play a mediating role in the relationship between firm strategy and product innovation, which has implications for SMEs in terms of the relevance of participating in such networks and also for public policymakers regarding the importance of managing them.

Cluster governance in dynamising collaborative innovation in SMEs

Cluster governance in dynamising collaborative innovation in SMEs

Technology Innovation in SMEs: An Examination of Innovation Culture and Organisational Learning as Contextual Determinants

Technology Innovation in SMEs: An Examination of Innovation Culture and Organisational Learning as Contextual Determinants

Gender diversity and innovation in family SMEs: an empirical study in Colombia

Gender diversity and innovation in family SMEs: an empirical study in Colombia

Innovation and Foresight in SMEs: Lessons From the Case of U.K. Digital Health Companies

Innovation and Foresight in SMEs: Lessons From the Case of U.K. Digital Health Companies

Entrepreneurial Bricolage: A Key to Innovation for SMEs in the Philippines

Entrepreneurial Bricolage: A Key to Innovation for SMEs in the Philippines

Exploring Entrepreneurial Marketing Theory in the Context of SME Innovation: A Theoretical Review and Scientometric Approach

Exploring Entrepreneurial Marketing Theory in the Context of SME Innovation: A Theoretical Review and Scientometric Approach

Innovation activity of Slovak ICT SMEs

Research background: The innovation process is a key factor when creating and maintaining competitiveness, so the SME sector has to address a special attention to it. Examining the impact of corporate co-operation on innovation activity has to be mentioned as a crucial goal. Purpose of the article: The main goal of the research is to assess the innovative activity of the SMEs operating in ICT sector, and to map the distribution between the innovative and non-innovative businesses. The article's purpose was to outline the most recent developments in Slovakia's ICT industry with regard to SME innovation. The empirical study concentrated on the types of innovation, variables that encourage and discourage innovation, and the innovation activity of SMEs in the ICT sector. Methods: In accordance with the main goal of the research, descriptive statistical methods, i.e. unweighted and weighted arithmetic mean were used to analyze the research hypothesis. A questionnaire research study was carried out between September 2021 and February 2022 in Slovak ICT SMEs. Findings & Value added: Significant differences can be determined between the innovative and non-innovative ICT companies in terms of innovation. The majority of SMEs implemented both technological and non-technological innovations. A small number of SMEs failed to implement either type. A significant portion focused on technological innovations, with the majority successfully implementing them, and over half of them introduced non-technological innovations between 2018 and 2020. Over 75% of the companies felt they were more innovative than their competitors. More than 67% of non-innovative SMEs saw themselves as less innovative than their competitors. 92% of innovative SMES implemented both technological and non-technological innovations. 51% implemented technological innovations. 56.41% innovative SMEs implemented 3 to 5 types of innovation activities, while 38.46% implemented 6 to 7 types. Only 5.13% implemented all 9 types of innovation activities considered. 38% of innovative SMEs spent the most on research and development, 33% allocated highest expenditure to machinery and equipment. In case of supporting SMEs in innovation activities, three market players received above-average ratings: customers and consumers, suppliers of raw materials and piece parts and the group of companies.

Competitiveness and innovation of small and medium enter-prises under Industry 4.0 and 5.0 challenges: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Research background: In the context of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, competitiveness is intricately linked to innovativeness and ongoing technological advancements, posing a formidable challenge for countries and organizations aspiring to thrive in this environment. Within this framework, the significance of innovativeness is escalating, emerging as a crucial factor for the competitiveness of enterprises and economies alike. Purpose of the article: The article aims to present the structure and dynamics of research on the competitiveness of SMEs shaped on the basis of their innovativeness to further guide both research and management practice. Methods: This comprehensive bibliometric analysis delves into the Scopus database to uncover the leading authors, journals, and countries driving empirical research on SME competitiveness and innovation. The study utilizes the VosViewer software to graphically represent the overarching themes explored by researchers in this field. Additionally, an analysis of the selected articles identifies trends shaping the discourse on SME competitiveness and innovation. This multifaceted approach provides a holistic understanding of the current state of research in this domain, paving the way for future directions and insights. Findings & value added: In this study, the authors conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current research landscape on SME competitiveness and innovation in the digital transformation era. By identifying key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for SMEs, our findings offer valuable guidance for researchers, policymakers, and SMEs themselves in navigating the complexities of the digital transformation landscape.

A new perspective for European SMEs’ innovative support analysis: Does non-financial support matter?

Most of the previous research focused on the effects of public support for SMEs' innovative activities dealt with the effects of financial incentives, while non-financial support was considered a kind of “black box”. This research therefore aims to fill this gap by exploring the role non-financial support systems play in triggering SMEs' collaborations and innovativeness in Europe. We show that non-financial support (framework condition) significantly facilitates collaboration and innovation of European SMEs, by using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and 216 sampled datasets of the 27 EU countries from 2012 to 2020 European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS). Our expectation was confirmed about the SMEs' collaboration significant effects on their innovative activities, which subsequently translate into innovative outputs. We also found indirect significant effect of the non-financial support on SME's innovation output. This study serves several practical implications and contributes to the ongoing debate on the effects of non-financial support for cooperation and innovation activities of European SMEs.