Leading Innovation to Endure COVID-19

Abstract

Many SMEs have failed due to loss of sales revenue and regulatory disruption associated with the pandemic. The surviving SMEs and new entrepreneurs still face the challenge of adapting to the new normal and meeting expectations in the post-pandemic period. This chapter examines the role of innovative leadership in enduring the COVID-19 impact on SMEs. This chapter adopted a literature review approach to establish the relationship between innovative leadership and sustainability through workforce creativity and business process innovation. Leading innovation to endure COVID-19's impact on SMEs has to do with being conscious of the business opportunities and developing internal capabilities for innovative performance. Capabilities such as emotional intelligence, management innovations, innovative organisation, and excellent interactions with the stakeholders are essential for entrepreneurs in leading innovation in the post-pandemic period.