An Investigation of Spanish SME Innovation during Different Economic Conditions

Antonia Madrid‐guijarro, Domingo García‐pérez‐de‐lema and Howard Van auken

Journal of Small Business Management, 2013, vol. 51, issue 4, 578-601

Abstract: This study investigates product, process, and management innovation among a sample of Spanish manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) during the current economic downturn and a period of economic growth. Tobit analyses examined whether the level of process, product, and management innovation changed during the recessionary period relative to the expansionary period; and MCO estimations were used to show whether the recession affected the relationship between SME innovation and performance. Three main findings are: (1) innovation among Spanish manufacturing SMEs declined during the recent economic crisis; (2) the type of innovation at Spanish manufacturing SMEs changed during different economic conditions; and (3) innovation was positively associated with firm performance during the economic expansion and recession years. The results demonstrate the importance of adopting innovation into SME strategy over the business cycle. The findings have relevance to SMEs, government policymakers, and providers of consulting services.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1111/jsbm.12004

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