Title: Measurement of product innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): a case study in Oman

Authors: Ahm Shamsuzzoha; Mahmood Al-Kindi

Addresses: School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, P.O. Box 700, FI-65101, Finland ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 33, Muscat, Oman

Abstract: In this research study, an attempt has been taken to measure the level of product innovation in Oman. The aims of this research were to measure the product innovation level of selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Oman and to assess necessary effort to improve product innovation level to a standard level. To fulfil these objectives, 24 SMEs engaged in both manufacturing and service sectors were selected, studied and analysed. The outcomes from the study indicates that the level of product innovation in selected Omani SMEs are noticeably low and substantial efforts are necessary to improve it to a standard level. In order to demonstrate the procedural steps to calculate and measure the product innovation level and necessary effort, out of 24 SMEs one SME was highlighted within the scope of this paper. Overall study outcomes are discussed in conclusion section along with research limitations and future research directions.

Keywords: product innovation; innovation level; innovation performance; Omani SMEs; case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2020.110501

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2020 Vol.14 No.4, pp.476 - 493

Received: 01 Mar 2018
Accepted: 01 Mar 2019
Published online: 22 Oct 2020 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article