Get 20M+ Full-Text Papers For Less Than $1.50/day. Start a 14-Day Trial for You or Your Team.

Learn More →

Longitudinal evaluation of innovation implementation in SMEs

Longitudinal evaluation of innovation implementation in SMEs Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the application of a process of innovation within a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) case study organisation over a six‐year period, leading to improved understanding for further application and development. Design/methodology/approach – The development of the process of innovation at the case organisation is examined using a case study methodology combining quantitative and qualitative data gathered over the longitudinal period of the study. Findings – The findings show that innovation implementation in the SME requires ongoing effort, commitment and understanding beyond that of continuous improvement. Moreover, different groupings within the SME had differing perceptions of the value and effectiveness of the innovation process. The findings indicate that innovation must be implemented using a broad range of perspectives and interventions. Originality/value – There is a paucity of studies on the longitudinal implementation of innovation, especially amongst SMEs. In this context innovation is defined from a broad management perspective as distinct from being restricted to that of technical innovation. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png European Journal of Innovation Management Emerald Publishing

Longitudinal evaluation of innovation implementation in SMEs

Loading next page...
 
/lp/emerald-publishing/longitudinal-evaluation-of-innovation-implementation-in-smes-TtXbK0wgQz

References (57)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1460-1060
DOI
10.1108/14601060510610162
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the application of a process of innovation within a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) case study organisation over a six‐year period, leading to improved understanding for further application and development. Design/methodology/approach – The development of the process of innovation at the case organisation is examined using a case study methodology combining quantitative and qualitative data gathered over the longitudinal period of the study. Findings – The findings show that innovation implementation in the SME requires ongoing effort, commitment and understanding beyond that of continuous improvement. Moreover, different groupings within the SME had differing perceptions of the value and effectiveness of the innovation process. The findings indicate that innovation must be implemented using a broad range of perspectives and interventions. Originality/value – There is a paucity of studies on the longitudinal implementation of innovation, especially amongst SMEs. In this context innovation is defined from a broad management perspective as distinct from being restricted to that of technical innovation.

Journal

European Journal of Innovation ManagementEmerald Publishing

Published: Sep 1, 2005

Keywords: Small to medium‐sized enterprises; Innovation

There are no references for this article.