Identification of managers' competencies in innovation processes.

Company innovation is determined, among others, by company managers due to their mental focus on the development of innovative activity, their ability to engage appropriate resources in this activity and their ability to identify and use external impetus. The competencies of managers are of particular importance, including their level of education and qualifications, knowledge and skills, which are the result of formal education and previous experience. The paper is focused on self-assessment of middle managers' competencies in the context of innovation implementation in companies. The aim of this paper is to identify the elements (knowledge, skills and attitudes) of managerial competencies and their ranges, which are crucial for the effectiveness of the process of innovation implementation in companies at different stages. The declared competencies of managers were compared with the competencies that are optimal for managers in innovation processes. The study was conducted among managers of the top, middle and operational management levels in companies operating in Poland. The research was conducted by means of a direct survey. The identification of the areas that significantly support innovation, and therefore should be developed, is facilitated by the research on managerial skills. At the same time, the areas of deficits, which may be a barrier to the implementation of innovation, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]