Effect of network embeddedness on innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify if network embeddedness and innovation performance relationship, which has been largely studied in multinational enterprises (MNEs) and large corporations, was also applicable in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Secondly, the authors also sought to identify the moderating role of innovation openness in the relationship between network embeddedness and SMEs' innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical analysis was based on 388 SMEs in Ghana. Various validity and reliability checks were conducted before the presentation of the actual analysis, which was conducted using the structural equation modeling in Amos (v.23).FindingsFindings revealed that, in the context of SMEs, network embeddedness had significant positive effect on innovation performance. The authors further identified that SMEs with both high levels of network embeddedness and innovation openness had a much higher performance in their innovation, compared to SMEs that relied solely on network embeddedness.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study found innovation openness to further strengthen the relationship between network embeddedness and SMEs' innovation performance. The relationship between network embedded and SME's innovation could, however, be mediated by knowledge transfer mechanisms, so future studies should pay particular attention to the mediating mechanisms.Practical implicationsManagement of SMEs is advised to develop conducive organizational structures, such as trust, openness to collaboration and so on, for effective innovative knowledge transfer and transformation.Originality/valuePast research studies on network embeddedness and innovation performance have dominantly resided in MNE and large corporations. This current study extends the body of knowledge by extending the network embeddedness and innovation performance research studies to SME context.