Does innovation capability improve SME performance in Malaysia? The mediating effect of technology adoption

Abstract

SMEs still need innovation to boost their performance in the age of globalisation and fierce market rivalry. Previous studies have identified that innovation capability is an essential driver in manufacturing industries for their survival. Yet, the featuring role of innovation capability has been considered theoretically in developed economies whereas empirical studies in emerging economies are still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study to examines the importance of innovation capability towards SME performance and the mediating role of technology-adoption. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data from a sample size of 611 SMEs operating in the developing market of Malaysia. Derived hypotheses were verified through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 21. The findings of the study indicated that innovation capability has a significant positive impact on SME performance. Technology- adoption partially mediates the relationship between innovation capability and SME performance. SMEs are required to generate an operative innovation model to gain sustainable performance and competitive advantage in the Malaysian market.