Original scientific paper

Innovativeness of European SMEs: Mission not yet accomplished

HANS RUEDIGER KAUFMANN
HARITINI TSANGAR
DEMETRIS VRONTIS

Abstract

The paper aims to contribute to the
discussion on the catalytic role of SMEs
in generating innovation as a basis for a
competitive economy. It focuses on six
European countries, representing both established
and transitional settings (United Kingdom, Cyprus,
Spain, Italy, Greece and Lithuania). The statistical
methods used included ANCOVA, multiple
regression analysis and chi-square tests. The factors
explaining the innovation levels were provided.
Innovation and corporate culture indices were
created and found to be correlated. Four variables
were shown to explain innovation management
in the six countries: corporate culture, formal
processes/innovation department, company size and
review of products. The respective SME perceptions,
key factors and levels of innovation management
were thus differentiated for the six countries.
This comprehensive differentiated approach is an
innovative contribution to the field.

Keywords

European SMEs; Innovation management; Corporate culture; Innovation index; Multiple regression

Hrčak ID:

86640

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/86640

Publication date:

15.6.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 3.656 *