Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2016.1168040
The factors constraining innovation performance of SMEs in Croatia
Ljiljana Božić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5104-7501
Edo Rajh
Abstract
The aim of this article is to identify innovation barriers that limit
innovation performance of small and medium enterprises (SME)
in Croatia. Data are obtained using an online survey. The sample
consists of 94 SMEs that have experience in innovation activities. The
impact of constraints to innovation is measured on five-point scale.
Employing the factor analysis, we reduced number of variables to four
factors. Cluster analysis is used to group SMEs according to factors
that constrain their innovation activities. SMEs are grouped into three
clusters. Results reveal that firms are mostly constrained by external
factors. In two out of three clusters, firms report high intensity of
financial constraints to their innovation activity. The findings reveal
that the least pronounced constraints to innovation in SMEs in Croatia
are organisational constraints.
Keywords
Constraining factors; innovation; Small and medium enterprises (SMEs); factor analysis; k- means cluster analysis
Hrčak ID:
171726
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2016.
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