Innovation Process and Performance in Small- to Medium-Sized Firms: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 This study maps out the innovation process in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that can fundamentally affect business performance. The development of the conceptual framework can be used to encourage and enhance successful innovation management for SMEs. Overall, effective innovation is based on managing this process as a whole and on building up capacity and competency at each stage in the innovation. The framework put forth in this study is being proposed to be used as template for the development of a management development program for SMEs' owner-managers and as a practical tool for diagnosing SMEs' support systems.