THE ANTECEDENTS OF BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

Purpose – This study replicates ideas of Cheng and Chen (2013) to determine the effects of dynamic innovation capabilities and open innovation activities on breakthrough innovation. Based on the Resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and dynamic capabilities view (DC), the authors seek to argue that dynamic innovation capabilities and open innovation activities significantly affect breakthrough innovation positively in a turbulent environment. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a cross-sectional design, a questionnaire was distributed to a sample size of Zimbabwean 300 SMEs management. The target respondents were the business owners and managers who had wide knowledge and understanding in leadership. The survey’s data were analysed through regression. Findings – The findings supported the argument that dynamic innovation capabilities and open innovation activities positively and significantly affect breakthrough innovation. Practical implications – Business owners and managers must realise the critical rationale of SMEs dynamic innovation capabilities and open innovation activities in fostering breakthrough innovation. Originality/value/contribution – This study added to the existing literature that survival and growth of SMEs must promote and support emerging industries even in an uncertain environment (e.g. Covid 19 pandemic environment), with activities that foster breakthrough innovation.