A fuzzy methodology for innovation management measurement

Abstract

Purpose Innovation has been recognized as one of the main sources of competitive advantage for organizations and nations. The purpose of this study is to present an innovation management measurement approach by applying fuzzy techniques to small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a survey focusing on seven innovation measurement areas: innovation strategy, knowledge management, project management, portfolio management, internal enablers, organization and structure and external enablers. A total of 91 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the city of Morelia, Mexico, participated in the study. Furthermore, the data collected were analyzed under a multi-criteria decision-making approach using the theory of expertons and the induced generalized ordered weighted averaging operator. Findings The results show that the most valued areas are innovation strategy, organization and structure, knowledge management and project management. Furthermore, portfolio management, external drivers and internal drivers are the areas with the lowest valuations. Originality/value This paper presents an original methodological structure based on an expertise process designed to achieve well-founded results from uncertain and subjective opinions directly from the managers of the surveyed SMEs.