Contextual Ambidexterity: Tackling the Exploitation and Exploration Dilemma of Innovation Management in SMEs

Annika Reischl, Sabrina Weber, Stephan Fischer and Claus Lang-Koetz
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Annika Reischl: Pforzheim University, Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Pforzheim, Germany
Sabrina Weber: ��Pforzheim University, Institute for Human Resources Research, Pforzheim, Germany
Stephan Fischer: ��Pforzheim University, Institute for Human Resources Research, Pforzheim, Germany
Claus Lang-Koetz: Pforzheim University, Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Pforzheim, Germany

International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), 2022, vol. 19, issue 02, 1-29

Abstract: In innovation management (IM), two perspectives typically come together, characterized with the term ambidexterity: a clear orientation towards the best possible use of resources (exploitation) and, at the same time, completely new ideas and novel approaches (exploration). We consider contextual ambidexterity suitable to address this dilemma in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on findings from five German SMEs, we argue that training and using ‘conventional’ IM for exploitation and ‘agile’ IM for exploration could be most feasible. We develop a generic conceptual model with high practical relevance for SMEs and their innovation projects.

Keywords: Agile methods; ambidexterity; barriers to innovation; exploitation; exploration; innovation management; innovation projects; small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); SME training program (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1142/S0219877022500067

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