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NOTE: Since 2009 the title of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship Education (IJEE) has been changed to the title above.  ISSN numbers: IJEE 1649-2269 and IRE 2009-2822

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ISSN Number: 2009-2822. Frequency: 4 Issues per year (online only)  

Article #1533 - SME Innovations and Performance: The Mediating Role of Product Innovation

IRE Vol 14: Issue 2, 2016 , Pages 209-234

Author(s): Zhelyu Vladimirov (Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria)

Abstract:
This study investigates the mediating role of product innovations between process innovations, and other external and internal factors, and performance. An exploratory analysis of 500 manufacturing SMEs provides seven factors. These factors were used in a path model of “innovations-performance” relationships with the mediating role of product innovations.

The findings reveal that product innovations impact directly and positively on performance, while other process innovations and external factors have positive and significant, but only indirect influence on performance. Amongst internal factors, firm size and export orientation are related directly and significantly to both product innovations and performance. Therefore, product innovations mediate fully the effects of process innovations and external factors, and partially the effects of internal factors on performance.

The study makes a contribution to the limited research dealing with the effects of innovation antecedents, types of innovations and their combined impact on SME performance.

Keywords: SME, types of innovation, innovation antecedents, mediation, performance

Acknowledgement: The author would like to thanks Prof Allan Williams for his great support.

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