A systematic literature review of open innovation in small and medium enterprises in the past decade

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huma Sikandar ◽  
Umar Haiyat Abdul Kohar
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose There is a growing trend of open innovation (OI) in small and middle enterprises (SMEs) these days, yet the implementation of OI in SMEs is a challenge because of their financial and resource constraints. This study aims to identify and analyze the past trends, barriers and outcomes and major factors influencing the implementation of OI in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach This review is based on 40 published articles from the Scopus database. It selects highly cited papers published from 2010 to 2019. The PRISMA statement template is used to explain the overall process of selection and rejections of the relevant articles. Findings The study contributes in two ways. First, through a comprehensive literature review, the authors highlight the overall development of the concept of OI in the literature over the past 10 years and highlight the findings of the significant studies. Second, the authors provide detailed representations of the OI literature by calculating yearly publications and identifying the SMEs which mostly implement OI practices, journals that publish a relevant article, OI-related publications in different disciplines and geographical locations in which most of the OI studies have been conducted. The study also reveals the most cited articles, journals and authors. Originality/value The authors conclude this paper with the argument that although much research has been done in the OI field, still there is a need to establish tools, models and methods that could facilitate SMEs in OI, especially for developing economies.

Open Innovation

2013 ◽  
pp. 1521-1534
Author(s):  
Hakikur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Road ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Business

With the advent of innovative technologies and multi-dimensional researches along the setting of entrepreneurship development, philosophy, context and business handling has been transformed from being traditional to innovative. Depending on diversity and nature of the transformation, innovation has been shifted from closed to open to crowdsourcing innovation. Ranging from small entrepreneurs to corporate business houses are being immensely benefited by the innovation techniques, especially utilizing information and communication technologies. However, the road to innovation, despite being a paradigm shift is not smooth and ready for many, particularly the small and medium enterprises who mainly deal with the clients at the outer peripheries of the social circle. This chapter synthesizes issues of opportunities and challenges for small and medium enterprises by carrying out a broad literature review and synthesis. Furthermore, the chapter will provide a few research hints to be applicable for researchers and research institutions.

External knowledge search paths in open innovation processes of small and medium enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 524-550
Author(s):  
Preecha Chaochotechuang ◽  
Farhad Daneshgar ◽  
Stefania Mariano
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Search Space ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Search Heuristics ◽  
Knowledge Search ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge by exploring how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) search for external knowledge in their open innovation processes, and how the search can be advanced. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory research employs a qualitative multiple case study design. A literature review of open innovation in SMEs and external knowledge search is used to build the premises of this study. Semi-structured interviews with eight SMEs are employed to collect subsequent exploratory empirical data. Findings This exploratory study revealed that SMEs adopted a combination of cognitive and experiential search heuristics where cognitive search was practiced during the innovation research process when searching for external knowledge, whilst experiential search was practiced during the innovation development process. Concerning the search space, this study found that SMEs mainly explored local knowledge, and occasionally pursued distant knowledge when confronted with complex problems. The reason for the above behavior was explained to be related to the reduction of costs and risks associated with innovation activities. Originality/value External knowledge plays a pivotal role in open innovation. Although extant studies have shed some light on how large firms search for external knowledge, however, it is not clear how SMEs search for external knowledge. Moreover, this study focuses on learning about both the search space and the search heuristics at both the research and the development stages of the innovation process.

Exploring the barriers to SMEs’ open innovation adoption in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Oduro
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Interviews ◽  
The Right ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Open innovation (OI) is now recognized as one essential innovation paradigm to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) quell their liability of newness and smallness. However, little is known about SMEs’ OI barriers, particularly in emerging economies. Drawing on both network and transaction cost theory, this study aims to explore the barriers to SMEs’ OI adoption in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted an exploratory sequential research design that involved both qualitative and quantitative study methodologies. A total of 644 responses (21 survey interviews and 623 usable questionnaires) across SMEs in Ghana were collected and analyzed in the study. A qualitative analysis involving quotations extracted from the respondent’s statement was used to present the qualitative findings, whereas SEM-partial least square, co-variance approach, was used to analyze the formulated hypotheses. Findings Results show that significant barriers to SMEs OI adoption are collaboration barriers – difficulty in finding the right partners and problems of cooperation and coordination of operational functions; organizational barriers – lack of flexible internal procedures and structures and organizational inertia; and strategic barriers – opportunistic behavior of partners and lack of strategic and resource fit. Contrary to existing findings, financial and knowledge barriers were disclosed as driving factors, rather than barriers, to SMEs’ OI adoption; these findings challenge conventional thinking about SMEs’ major OI barriers. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on only SMEs in one emerging economy, namely, Ghana, which may limit the generalization of the findings. Practical implications The findings of this study, while limited to Ghana, offer useful insights to SMEs managers, development practitioners and policymakers respecting the overall importance of the OI model, its associated impediments, as well as the strategic measures to quell those barriers. Originality/value This study provides a pioneering empirical investigation into the main barriers to SMEs’ OI adoption in a less-explored emerging market context through a mixed research approach.

scholarly journals Internationalization of SMEs and market orientation

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soniya Billore ◽  
Gautam Billore
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Indian Market ◽  
Customer Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to study the context of market orientation and the contribution of customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge to market orientation particularly to the internationalization of firms in developing economies. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case approach is adopted with four Swedish firms internationalizing to the Indian market. The data was obtained through personal interviews and typically lasted an hour. Follow-up questions were obtained by personal meetings or on Skype. Data was collected over a period of seven months during 2016-2017. Findings This study highlights the importance of customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge for foreign small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the initial stages of internationalization. It proposes that a holistic market sensing of the target market can be achieved as the three constructs contribute to the market orientation of the firms and help in devising relevant strategic fit with the market. Research limitations/implications The sample size is small due to a limited number of Swedish SMEs who have the experience of operating in the Indian market. Future studies may include the Nordic region, and a quantitative approach for testing market orientation frameworks can be adopted. Originality/value This study lifts the concept of market sensing as customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge strengthen the market orientation of the firm. It addresses the research gap about limited research in developing market contexts for SME internationalization and specifically on Swedish SMEs in the Indian market.

Social network relationship, supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance of small and medium enterprises in a developing economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1793-1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Asamoah ◽  
Benjamin Agyei-Owusu ◽  
Elizabeth Ashun
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
The Past ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Network Relationship

PurposeWhile the concept of supply chain resilience has received lots of scholarly and policy interest over the past few years, empirical research examining its sources and outcomes remains inadequate, particularly, in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Grounded in the resource-based view and social capital frameworks, the study examines the relationship between social network relationship, supply chain resilience and customer oriented performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops and empirically tests a research model that proposes social network relationships and customer-oriented performance as the antecedent and outcome respectively of supply chain resilience. Data was obtained from a survey of 110 SMEs in Ghana.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest that a firm's external and internal social networks can be leveraged to enhance its supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance. Supply chain resilience was also found to enhance customer-oriented performance. Additionally, supply chain resilience was found to significantly mediate the effect of social network relationships on customer-oriented performance.Originality/valueThis is the first study that empirically explores and establishes the relationship between social network relationships, supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance to the best of the authors’ knowledge.

Development of a methodology to assist manufacturing SMEs in the selection of appropriate lean tools

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Alaskari ◽  
Mohammad Munir Ahmad ◽  
Ruben Pinedo-Cuenca
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the manufacturing sector, to select an appropriate lean tool for the company which will maximum benefits from adopting the tool. Design/methodology/approach – This study focuses on the selection of an appropriate lean tool for manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains a quantitative approach that can assist SMEs in identifying the appropriate lean tool. A literature review, collation of experts’ opinions via a questionnaire and a case study (to provide a guideline as to how the developed methodology may work) are presented in this research. Findings – The findings revealed that the proposed methodology was effective in identifying the appropriate lean tools for companies, according to the key performance indicators in the manufacturing SME sector. Practical implications – The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as a decision support system to enable the representatives of the company to make an informed decision regarding the selection of the most appropriate lean tool (i.e. that will address the most important issue that the company is experiencing). The strength of using this methodology is that appropriate lean tool can be ascertained relatively easily and inexpensively. There is the prospect of this methodology being applicable to most types of SMEs. Originality/value – This methodology has proven to be useful for recommending the application of lean tools in a company’s attempt to become lean, bridging the gap identified in the literature review.

scholarly journals Competitive or cooperative relationships in clusters

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 230-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Ayakwah ◽  
Leandro Sepulveda ◽  
Fergus Lyon
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Cluster Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Horizontal Competition ◽  
Business Structures ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose An efficient policy supporting clustered business operations necessitates an appreciation of the dynamics of rivalry and collaborations among businesses. This paper postulates that variation in competition and cooperation can significantly influence the nature of business relationships among clustered businesses, which is essential for cluster policy particularly (Newlands, 2003) as most research on rivalry and cooperation in clusters have been in developed economies. The purpose of this paper is to seek to fill the gap in the literature in African clusters based on original empirical research. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a mixed-method research design allowing for data triangulation to study two food processing clusters. The approach comprises a survey and in-depth interview with key actors along the supply chain. Findings The findings show that business clusters with more formal business structures tend to have minimal horizontal competition but higher vertical cooperation. Comparatively, clusters with more socially embedded milieu tend to have higher levels of cooperation and minimal competition in both vertical and horizontal relationships. The research also shows that such variations in inter-business relationships have an effect on cluster operations in terms of business access to finance, formal contract, sharing of innovation and the way they relate to different stakeholders in their supply chain. Originality/value This paper advances a critical case for international business theory on clusters in Africa to incorporate the distinctive business relationships in small and medium enterprises (SME) clusters. It also demonstrates how unique location-specific attributes of developing economies hold the key to sustaining the operations of SME-based clusters.

Approaches and strategies of Pune auto component SMEs for excellence

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar ◽  
MV Deshpande
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Automobile Manufacturing ◽  
Integrated Approaches ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Auto Component

Purpose – This study aims to identify the approaches and strategies adopted by Pune auto-component small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to achieve excellence with an in-depth literature review and deep observation. SMEs’ contribution is acknowledged worldwide. Auto-component SMEs, a major sub-sector and largest feeder of automobile manufacturing, have placed India on the global map for excellence and innovation. Like the corporate, SMEs have also started adopting integrated approaches and strategies to face the competitive world, yet incidences of unproductive SMEs are rising. Business breakdown is attributed to capital deficiency and incompetent usage. Amidst this, Pune auto-component SMEs are thriving well. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an in-depth literature review and deep observation. Findings – Findings include identifying the approaches and strategies adopted by Pune auto-component SMEs to achieve excellence. Originality/value – This paper identified the approaches and strategies for achieving excellence and the basis of innovation in SMEs.

A decade of security research in ubiquitous computing: results of a systematic literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ema Kusen ◽  
Mark Strembeck
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Ubiquitous Computing ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Security Research ◽  
Security Challenges

Purpose Ever since Mark Weiser coined the term “ubiquitous computing” (ubicomp) in 1988, there has been a general interest in proposing various solutions that would support his vision. However, attacks targeting devices and services of a ubicomp environment have demonstrated not only different privacy issues, but also a risk of endangering user’s life (e.g. by modifying medical sensor readings). Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of security challenges of ubicomp environments and the corresponding countermeasures proposed over the past decade. Design/methodology/approach The results of this paper are based on a literature review method originally used in evidence-based medicine called systematic literature review (SLR), which identifies, filters, classifies and summarizes the findings. Findings Starting from the bibliometric results that clearly show an increasing interest in the topic of ubicomp security worldwide, the findings reveal specific types of attacks and vulnerabilities that have motivated the research over the past decade. This review describes most commonly proposed countermeasures – context-aware access control and authentication mechanisms, cryptographic protocols that account for device’s resource constraints, privacy-preserving mechanisms, and trust mechanisms for wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SLR on security challenges in ubicomp. The findings should serve as a reference to an extensive list of scientific contributions, as well as a guiding point for the researchers’ novel to the security research in ubicomp.

Mediating effect of innovation with market orientation and performance relationship

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-167
Author(s):  
Seemant Kumar Yadav ◽  
Vikas Tripathi ◽  
Geetika Goel
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of market orientation on performance and to figure out the mediator effect of incremental innovation on this relationship with an implementation on Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Following a survey among 333 owners/managers of SMEs in Indian, six research propositions were framed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analysis was used for the purpose of data analysis. Findings The outcome of the study demonstrates a significant effect of market orientation on SMEs performance. In addition, the mediating effect of innovation between market orientation and business performance was not supported in the context. Research limitations/implications This study uses cross-sectional research, which limits the ability to test the causality; hence, such studies should be replicated in other settings also to get more evidences about the relationship. Practical implications The research will help managers especially in manufacturing SMEs of developing countries to understand benefits of being market-oriented to improve performance. Originality/value The study attempts to enrich the market orientation literature especially in developing economies. It identifies the significant effect of interfunctional coordination on performance of small and medium enterprises working in more volatile environment. Further, the study also examines mediating role of innovation between market orientation and performance linkage.

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