Abstract:

Much attention has been paid to the role of innovation in ensuring the survival and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, past empirical research on the innovation–performance relationship of SMEs show inconsistent results. Grounded on resource-based view (RBV), contingency theory, and knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm, we introduce a conceptual model to provide a deeper understanding of how and why pertinent moderating variables such as technological turbulence and knowledge integration mechanisms (KIMs) will have a bearing on the innovation orientation and business innovation performance relationship. As an extension of the domain relationships, we examine the potential outcome of joint moderating effects of technological turbulence, KIMs, and innovation orientation. To the best of knowledge, this is the first attempt to integrate the projected variables in a single study, hence provides an opportunity for future empirical research for verification and validation.