Innovation in Australian Manufacturing SMEs : exploring the interaction between external and internal innovation factors

Sachdeva, Megha

Innovation in Australian Manufacturing SMEs : exploring the interaction between external and internal innovation factors

Sachdeva, Megha

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2016

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Sachdeva, Megha
dc.date.accessioned	2016-06-26T23:46:49Z
dc.date.available	2016-06-26T23:46:49Z
dc.date.issued	2016
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/44192
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Business.	en_AU
dc.description.abstract	This thesis examines the relationship between internal and external drivers of innovation in Australian manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A mixed methods approach was employed to study this relationship, combining survey data and case studies to investigate the effect of technological change on innovative activities, an effect potentially mediated by SMEs’ particular characteristics. Results indicate that the absorptive capacity model of innovation is applicable to Australian manufacturing SMEs but there is also evidence that non-knowledge management characteristics of SMEs affect the impact that internal factors and technological changes can have on innovation. When employees have the freedom to trial new approaches to their work in a family-like culture, risk-taking behaviour is nurtured, leading to innovation. SMEs that exploit opportunities across different sectors and/or co-create with their customers are also more innovative. There may however be a limit to a firm’s ability to consume new technology with a responsive approach in meeting customer needs. The findings are of value especially to policy makers, academics, management practitioners, as it brings forward the antecedents of innovation in the Australian manufacturing context.	en_AU
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_AU	en_AU
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/44192/6/02whole.pdf
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/ppc
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	Australian manufacturing.	en
dc.subject	Small and medium enterprises (SMEs).	en
dc.subject	Mixed methods approach.	en
dc.subject	Absorptive capacity model.	en
dc.subject	External innovation factors.	en
dc.subject	Internal innovation factors.	en
dc.title	Innovation in Australian Manufacturing SMEs : exploring the interaction between external and internal innovation factors	en_AU
dc.type	Thesis	en_AU
utslib.copyright.status	open_access

Abstract:

This thesis examines the relationship between internal and external drivers of innovation in Australian manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A mixed methods approach was employed to study this relationship, combining survey data and case studies to investigate the effect of technological change on innovative activities, an effect potentially mediated by SMEs’ particular characteristics. Results indicate that the absorptive capacity model of innovation is applicable to Australian manufacturing SMEs but there is also evidence that non-knowledge management characteristics of SMEs affect the impact that internal factors and technological changes can have on innovation. When employees have the freedom to trial new approaches to their work in a family-like culture, risk-taking behaviour is nurtured, leading to innovation. SMEs that exploit opportunities across different sectors and/or co-create with their customers are also more innovative. There may however be a limit to a firm’s ability to consume new technology with a responsive approach in meeting customer needs. The findings are of value especially to policy makers, academics, management practitioners, as it brings forward the antecedents of innovation in the Australian manufacturing context.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/44192