Longitudinal Evaluation of Innovation Implementation in Smes

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore theapplication of a process of innovation within a small to medium-sizedenterprise (SME) case study organisation over a six-year period, leading toimproved understanding for further application and development. Design/methodology/approach – The development of the process of innovationat the case organisation is examined using a case study methodology combiningquantitative and qualitative data gathered over the longitudinal period of thestudy. Findings – The findings show that innovation implementation in the SMErequires ongoing effort, commitment and understanding beyond that of continuousimprovement. Moreover, different groupings within the SME had differingperceptions of the value and effectiveness of the innovation process. Thefindings indicate that innovation must be implemented using a broad range ofperspectives and interventions. Originality/value – There is a paucity of studies on the longitudinalimplementation of innovation, especially amongst SMEs. In this contextinnovation is defined from a broad management perspective as distinct frombeing restricted to that of technical innovation. (Publicationabstract)