Methods for Modeling and Supporting Innovation Processes in Smes

Purpose – Sets out to investigate business modelingtechniques (BMTs) which can be used to support and improve innovation processeswithin small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review, differentanalysis perspectives on innovation processes are identified and discussed, andsome firm needs and problems are pointed out. The importance of BMTs to firmsis further tested by an empirical study whose initial results are reported.Finally, by matching problems and techniques characterized by the sameontology, the BMTs most suitable to address SME needs are identified and theirrole within the innovation process discussed. Findings – The main result of the paper is the identification of theproblems facing SMEs in innovation processes and the possible support offeredby BMTs. Though methods and models alone do not assure the success in theinnovation development process (IDP), they are enabling factors and can supportthe creation of strategies, reasoning, insights and communication. Originality/value – The adoption of such BMTs, facilitating the codificationof the characteristics of the IDP, might be particularly useful in thoseenvironments where, due to the lack of specialized resources, it is difficultto structure all of the information related to the innovation process and toexploit the related benefits and opportunities. (Publicationabstract)