Flexible strategic framework for managing innovation and technology from perspective of continuity and change: A study of auto ancillary SMEs in India

This research study identifies the underlying forces influencing innovation and technology management in Indian manufacturing SMEs with focus on auto ancillary sector. The study further investigates the sources of innovation and their impact on business performance. The aim of the research is to come out with a flexible strategic framework for managing innovation and technology in SMEs from a perspective of continuity and change. Design/methodology/approach - The data on which this study is based were generated through secondary research using published sources and primary research. The study was done through focused discussion with industry experts; personal interviews with over 80 entrepreneurs from SMEs selected using a structured questionnaire. Findings - The study brings out that more innovating SMEs show higher performance levels as compared to less innovating companies. More innovating SMEs are significantly different from less innovating firms from the perspective of underlying change forces. Originality/value - This research paper represents one of the few efforts to study innovation and technology management in SMEs and come out with a flexible strategic framework for managing forces of continuity and change for guiding this sector for its long-term survival and growth. The flexible framework suggested and the C-C Matrix can be of interest to researchers and practising managers to validate the applicability for other sectors. The framework suggested can be adapted for application in the global context.