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Do Smes Cluster Around Innovation Activities? Discovering Active, Incremental And Opportunistic Innovators

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  • GIAN LUCA CASALI

    (QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia)

  • ROXANNE ZOLIN

    (QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia)

  • SUKANLAYA SAWANG

    (QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia)

Abstract

Do SMEs cluster around different types of innovation activities? Are there patterns of SME innovation activities? To investigate we develop a taxonomy of innovation activities in SMEs using a qualitative study, followed by a survey. First, based upon our qualitative research and literature review we develop a comprehensive list of innovation activities SMEs typically engage in. We then conduct a factor analysis to determine if these activities can be combined into factors. We identify three innovation activity factors: R&D activities, incremental innovation activities and cost innovation activities. We use these factors to identify three clusters of firms engaging in similar innovation activities: active innovators, incremental innovators and opportunistic innovators. The clusters are enriched by validating that they also exhibit significant internal similarities and external differences in their innovation skills, demographics, industry segments and family business ownership. This research contributes to innovation and SME theory and practice by identifying SME clusters based upon their innovation activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Gian Luca Casali & Roxanne Zolin & Sukanlaya Sawang, 2016. "Do Smes Cluster Around Innovation Activities? Discovering Active, Incremental And Opportunistic Innovators," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(07), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:20:y:2016:i:07:n:s1363919616500626
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919616500626
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