Flexible strategic framework for managing innovation from perspective of continuity and change : A study of SMEs in India

Purpose – This research study identifies the factors influencing innovation and technology management in Indian manufacturing small- and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on the auto-ancillary sector. The study further investigates the impact of types of innovation on business performance. The purpose of this paper is to come up with a flexible strategic framework for managing innovation and technology in SMEs from a perspective of continuity and change. Design/methodology/approach – The data on which this study is based were generated through secondary research using published sources and primary research. The study was done through group discussions with industry experts and personally focused interviews with 88 entrepreneurs from SMEs selected using a structured questionnaire. Findings – The study shows SMEs pursuing more types of innovations display higher performance levels when compared to those pursuing fewer types of innovations. SMEs pursuing more types of innovations are significantly different from less innovating firms from the perspective of underlying change forces. Originality/value – This research paper represents one of the few efforts to study innovation and technology management in SMEs and come up with a flexible strategic framework for managing forces of continuity and change for guiding this sector for long-term survival and growth. The flexible framework suggested, and the continuity and change matrix (C-C matrix), can be of interest to researchers and practising managers to validate the applicability for other sectors. The framework suggested can be adapted for application in a global context.