Innovation culture in small and medium-sized enterprises: the importance of soft factors in early stages of the innovation process

Petra Kociánová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The study at hand investigates innovation systems at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focusing on innovation culture, organization and company goals at the early stages of innovation process. Past research studies suggest the early stages of innovation process are critical for the overall innovation ability, however, there is a lack of literature on the specifics of innovation systems at SMEs. Case studies of 3 companies provide an overview of characteristics of innovation systems at a typical SME as well as a solid basis for drawing business implications relevant for establishing or improving its innovation system. Furthermore, the findings reveal that people management at the early stages of innovation process is missing, and that a foreign subsidiary of an international SME is relevant for an effective corporate innovation process. Implications for further research on the topic are also discussed.

Abstract:

The study at hand investigates innovation systems at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focusing on innovation culture, organization and company goals at the early stages of innovation process. Past research studies suggest the early stages of innovation process are critical for the overall innovation ability, however, there is a lack of literature on the specifics of innovation systems at SMEs. Case studies of 3 companies provide an overview of characteristics of innovation systems at a typical SME as well as a solid basis for drawing business implications relevant for establishing or improving its innovation system. Furthermore, the findings reveal that people management at the early stages of innovation process is missing, and that a foreign subsidiary of an international SME is relevant for an effective corporate innovation process. Implications for further research on the topic are also discussed.

Keywords

innovation process, innovation culture, Innovation management at SMEs

Keywords

fuzzy front end, innovation process, innovation management at SMEs, innovation culture

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 1. 2010

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2011
• Supervisor: Martina L. Jaklová
• Reader: Frank Ulsamer

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management