The influence of innovation on growth in established SMEs: Results from a multiple case study.

The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of innovation on growth in established SMEs, by comparing growth outcome, strategic orientation (type of offering and geographical market), and to what extent growth challenges are expressed in terms of innovation between more and less innovative firms. Results indicate that the relationship between innovation activities and economic performance are not immediately linked. It is also observed that the strategic orientation does not differentiate high-innovators from low-innovators. While some high-innovation companies provide products and services successfully on a local market, in close proximity with demanding customers, it is also observed that low-innovation companies reach out internationally, exploiting old innovations, today mainly incrementally refining product and supporting processes. The paper contributes with new insights into the growth challenges of established SMEs, and with a more multi-faceted picture of innovation management for company growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]