IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/joiaen/v14y2025i1d10.1186_s13731-025-00550-4.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Leveraging innovativeness for enhanced small and medium enterprises performance: the moderating role of learning orientation

Author

Listed:
  • Gurpreet pal Kaur

    (Lovely Professional University)

  • Harpreet Singh Bedi

    (Lovely Professional University)

  • Harish Saini

    (Chitkara University)

Abstract

The study aims to assess the innovativeness–business performance relationship by considering learning orientation as moderator. Data has been gathered from 413 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab, India, using a quantitative study design. Structural equation modelling has been used to evaluate the proposed relationships. The results reveal that innovativeness and business performance have a positive relationship, which is moderated by learning orientation. The findings of this study attempts to encourage SMEs for nurturing the culture of continuous learning and experimentation. SMEs may enhance their performance and competitiveness in fast-paced business environments by being innovative and learning-oriented. Theoretical and practical implications are considered, in addition to limitations and future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gurpreet pal Kaur & Harpreet Singh Bedi & Harish Saini, 2025. "Leveraging innovativeness for enhanced small and medium enterprises performance: the moderating role of learning orientation," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:14:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-025-00550-4
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-025-00550-4
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1186/s13731-025-00550-4
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1186/s13731-025-00550-4?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fariborz Damanpour & Shanthi Gopalakrishnan, 2001. "The Dynamics of the Adoption of Product and Process Innovations in Organizations," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(1), pages 45-65, January.
    2. Emerson Gomes dos Santos & Alcides Barrichello & Rogerio Scabim Morano, 2023. "How important are institutions for innovation and global competitiveness?," International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 30(4), pages 476-496.
    3. Rocsana Tonis (Bucea-Manea), 2015. "SMEs Role in Achieving Sustainable Development," Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, Alliance of Central-Eastern European Universities, vol. 4(1), pages 41-50, March.
    4. Noel Capon & John U. Farley & Donald R. Lehmann & James M. Hulbert, 1992. "Profiles of Product Innovators Among Large U.S. Manufacturers," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 38(2), pages 157-169, February.
    5. Sandeep Vij & Harpreet Singh Bedi, 2016. "Effect Of Organisational And Environmental Factors On Innovativeness And Business Performance Relationship," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(03), pages 1-28, April.
    6. Smith, Hannah & Discetti, Roberta & Bellucci, Marco & Acuti, Diletta, 2022. "SMEs engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals: A power perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 112-122.
    7. Grant Alexander Wilson & Eric Liguori, 2023. "Market orientation, failure learning orientation, and financial performance," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(6), pages 3027-3045, November.
    8. Ully Y. Nafizah & Stephen Roper & Kevin Mole, 2024. "Estimating the innovation benefits of first-mover and second-mover strategies when micro-businesses adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(1), pages 411-434, January.
    9. Mary M. Crossan & Marina Apaydin, 2010. "A Multi‐Dimensional Framework of Organizational Innovation: A Systematic Review of the Literature," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(6), pages 1154-1191, September.
    10. Robert E. Morgan & Pierre Berthon, 2008. "Market Orientation, Generative Learning, Innovation Strategy and Business Performance Inter‐Relationships in Bioscience Firms," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(8), pages 1329-1353, December.
    11. Gaylen N. Chandler & Chalon Keller & Douglas W. Lyon, 2000. "Unraveling the Determinants and Consequences of an Innovation-Supportive Organizational Culture," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 25(1), pages 59-76, October.
    12. Halit Keskin, 2006. "Market orientation, learning orientation, and innovation capabilities in SMEs," European Journal of Innovation Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 9(4), pages 396-417, October.
    13. Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, Ana Beatriz & Ndubisi, Nelson Oly & Roman Pais Seles, Bruno Michel, 2020. "Sustainable development in Asian manufacturing SMEs: Progress and directions," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    14. Giorgos Meramveliotakis & Manolis Manioudis, 2021. "Sustainable Development, COVID-19 and Small Business in Greece: Small Is Not Beautiful," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-15, September.
    15. Popadiuk, Silvio & Choo, Chun Wei, 2006. "Innovation and knowledge creation: How are these concepts related?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 302-312.
    16. Manolis Manioudis & Giorgos Meramveliotakis, 2022. "Broad strokes towards a grand theory in the analysis of sustainable development: a return to the classical political economy," New Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(5), pages 866-878, September.
    17. Ceyhan Kilic & Turkan Dursun, 2023. "Does Learning Orientation Drive New Product Competitive Advantage and Success? A Conceptual Framework and Research Propositions," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 18(1), pages 1-81, February.
    18. Gabriel Linton, 2019. "Innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness in startups: a case study and conceptual development," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 9(1), pages 1-21, December.
    19. Wynen & Verhoest & Ongaro & van Thiel & in cooperation with the COBRA network, 2014. "Innovation-Oriented Culture in the Public Sector: Do managerial autonomy and result control lead to innovation?," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(1), pages 45-66, January.
    20. Suku Bhaskaran, 2006. "Incremental Innovation and Business Performance: Small and Medium‐Size Food Enterprises in a Concentrated Industry Environment," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(1), pages 64-80, January.
    21. Giorgos Meramveliotakis & Manolis Manioudis, 2021. "History, Knowledge, and Sustainable Economic Development: The Contribution of John Stuart Mill’s Grand Stage Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, January.
    22. Samuel Godadaw Ayinaddis, 2023. "The effect of innovation orientation on firm performance: evidence from micro and small manufacturing firms in selected towns of Awi Zone, Ethiopia," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    23. Catherine L. Wang & Pervaiz K. Ahmed, 2004. "The development and validation of the organisational innovativeness construct using confirmatory factor analysis," European Journal of Innovation Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(4), pages 303-313, December.
    24. Jarosław Karpacz & Anna Wojcik-Karpacz, 2024. "The relationship between learning orientation, firm performance and market dynamism in MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland: an empirical analysis," Central European Management Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 32(2), pages 216-232, January.
    25. Rosenbusch, Nina & Brinckmann, Jan & Bausch, Andreas, 2011. "Is innovation always beneficial? A meta-analysis of the relationship between innovation and performance in SMEs," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 441-457, July.
    26. Shaker A. Zahra & Harry J. Sapienza & Per Davidsson, 2006. "Entrepreneurship and Dynamic Capabilities: A Review, Model and Research Agenda," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(4), pages 917-955, June.
    27. Harpreet Singh Bedi, 2019. "Innovativeness, business performance and environmental uncertainty: a multivariate configuration," International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 18(3), pages 328-345.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Pham Quang Huy & Vu Kien Phuc, 2025. "Changing times: does the critical success factors boosting green transition of SMEs remain unchanged?," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-32, December.
    2. Nahida Sultana & S. M. Shafiul Alam & Rifat Parveen Bokhari, 2025. "Exploring cashless technology continuance among SME entrepreneurs: an integrated approach with sustainability mediation and demographic moderation," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-32, December.
    3. Tizazu Kassa & Meketaw Kegne, 2025. "Factors affecting innovativeness of small and medium enterprises in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-32, December.
    4. Belay Mengstie Addisu, 2024. "Business landscape and growth determinants of micro- and small enterprises working in WASH sector: evidence from Ethiopia," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-21, December.
    5. André van Stel & Lorraine Uhlaner & Haibo Zhou & Valerie Duplat, 2012. "Disentangling the effects of organizational capabilities, innovation and firm size on SME sales growth," Scales Research Reports H201211, EIM Business and Policy Research.
    6. Dhia Qasim & Ahmed Shuhaiber & Zainab Rawshdeh, 2025. "The impact of entrepreneurial orientation on innovation performance: the role of knowledge sharing as a mediating factor," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, December.
    7. Arranz, N. & Arroyabe, M.F. & Li, Jun & de Arroyabe, J.C. Fernandez, 2019. "An integrated model of organisational innovation and firm performance: Generation, persistence and complementarity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 270-282.
    8. Shalini Rastogi & Deepika Pandita, 2025. "Driving entrepreneurial success: navigating AI-driven transformation through workforce agility and sustainability," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-21, December.
    9. Azmat, Fara & Lim, Weng Marc & Moyeen, Abdul & Voola, Ranjit & Gupta, Girish, 2023. "Convergence of business, innovation, and sustainability at the tipping point of the sustainable development goals," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    10. Rubén Martínez-Alonso & María J. Martínez-Romero & Alfonso A. Rojo-Ramírez, 2019. "Examining the Impact of Innovation Forms on Sustainable Economic Performance: The Influence of Family Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-22, November.
    11. Diéguez-Soto, Julio & Garrido-Moreno, Aurora & Manzaneque, Montserrat, 2018. "Unravelling the link between process innovation inputs and outputs: The moderating role of family management," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 9(2), pages 114-127.
    12. Syarifa Hanoum & Ramo Palalic & Theodosia Yunita Durman & Mahmood Shubbak, 2025. "Enhancing SME performance through e-business: the interplay of ambidexterity and entrepreneurial orientation in technology parks," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, December.
    13. Zhelyu Vladimirov, 2021. "Mediating Role of Innovations as a Factor of Firm’s Competitiveness," Economic Alternatives, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 3, pages 407-429, September.
    14. Mary Beth Rousseau & Blake D. Mathias & Laura T. Madden & T. Russell Crook, 2016. "Innovation, Firm Performance, And Appropriation: A Meta-Analysis," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(03), pages 1-29, April.
    15. Lorraine Uhlaner & André Stel & Valérie Duplat & Haibo Zhou, 2013. "Disentangling the effects of organizational capabilities, innovation and firm size on SME sales growth," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 41(3), pages 581-607, October.
    16. Rubio-Andrés, Mercedes & Ramos-González, Mª del Mar & Sastre-Castillo, Miguel Ángel & Gutiérrez-Broncano, Santiago, 2023. "Stakeholder pressure and innovation capacity of SMEs in the COVID-19 pandemic: Mediating and multigroup analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    17. Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos & Evangelos Psomas, 2016. "ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING, NON-TECHNICAL INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION OF SMEs," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(03), pages 1-28, April.
    18. Abecassis-Moedas, Celine & Sguera, Francesco & Ettlie, John E., 2016. "Observe, innovate, succeed: A learning perspective on innovation and the performance of entrepreneurial chefs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(8), pages 2840-2848.
    19. M. Eshaq Stanikzai & Ella Mittal, 2025. "Leveraging AI-generated and human-generated content for maximized user engagement in contentpreneurs’ innovation and creativity," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-28, December.
    20. Schriber, Svante & Löwstedt, Jan, 2015. "Tangible resources and the development of organizational capabilities," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 54-68.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:14:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-025-00550-4. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.