Entrepreneur training for creativity and innovation

Abstract

PurposeThis paper's primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of entrepreneur training regarding creativity and innovation. Their significance and the importance of the latter regarding the development of business and training needs are the research questions of a survey conducted in northern Greece.Design/methodology/approachThe survey, of 116 entrepreneurs, owners of small medium and very small enterprises, investigates awareness, attitudes and perceptions regarding creativity and innovation, for facilitating the design and development of training interventions. Data were collected using modified and extended questionnaires of an analogous tool created for the needs of the TRACTORS project. The questionnaires included both open‐ended and closed questions. Descriptive statistics were generated by the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.FindingsFindings suggest that entrepreneurs/owners and/or managers of micro and small medium enterprises in northern Greece are largely aware of the significance of creativity and innovation, believing that these are positively related to each other and interact in the development of their business. Training intervention is deemed as of great importance, and obstacles concerning financial resources, experience, time, infrastructure and not risk averse, were underlined.Research limitations/implicationsCreativity and innovation training interventions for entrepreneurs in terms of process, content, method, duration, trainers etc., is in a fledgling stage and requires further research to determine the “right training intervention mix” serving the needs of the non homogeneous entrepreneurial category.Originality/valueAlthough entrepreneurship creativity and innovation are viewed as the “creation of the future”, little has been done to train entrepreneurs to participate creatively in the innovation economy. The present paper traces these needs.