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Exploring the innovative potential of SMEs in Spain

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  • Manuel Ahedo

    (Research Group in Social and Organizational Analysis, Department of Business Administration, University Rovira i Virgili, Spain, manuel.ahedo@urv.es)

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tend to be theoretically and empirically considered to have critical limitations for innovation and technological development. Whereas this can be true in general terms, there are certain factors that can stimulate SMEs’ capacity for innovation, in particular internal organizational factors. Thus, in the context of less formally institutionalized regional/ local labour markets and labour relations, several factors or drivers, such as adequate size, the specific industrial sector and good human resources management, can be potential drivers of learning and innovation. These factors are analysed in three main dimensions, namely, management, further training and work organization. These arguments are explored with examples and data from industrial SMEs in their respective regional contexts in Spain.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Ahedo, 2010. "Exploring the innovative potential of SMEs in Spain," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 16(2), pages 197-209, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:16:y:2010:i:2:p:197-209
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258910364307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Malerba, Franco, 2002. "Sectoral systems of innovation and production," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 247-264, February.
    2. Stefano Palmieri, 2007. "The European system of small- and medium-sized enterprises," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 13(1), pages 27-53, February.
    3. Andrew Copus & Dimitris Skuras & Kyriaki Tsegenidi, 2008. "Innovation and Peripherality: An Empirical Comparative Study of SMEs in Six European Union Member Countries," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 84(1), pages 51-82, January.
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