Harnessing disruptive innovation : a conceptual model for SME growth and adaptation

In the context of sustaining innovation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strive to enhance their market position through product improvements. However, globalization and rapid technological advancements pose significant challenges, urging SMEs to integrate innovative capabilities into their business models. Effective SME business model innovation, fueled by customer insights, process efficiency, and technology application, can promote development and unlock additional value-creation resources. Despite this, SMEs encounter difficulties in capitalizing on disruptive innovation due to the competitive, technology-driven, and volatile global market. This study aimed to define a comprehensive conceptual model of disruptive innovation specifically tailored for SMEs. Through an automated content analysis of relevant literature, 13 themes and 82 concepts were identified and categorized into four strategic alignment domains. These domains provide a framework for operationalizing the findings and constructing a conceptual model of disruptive innovation. Utilizing this conceptual model as a checklist can assist SMEs in turning disruption into opportunity, thereby supporting their adaptation and growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.