Title: Innovation and performance in small manufacturing firms: results of an empirical research

Authors: Antonella Meneghetti, Guido Nassimbeni, Stefano Tonchia

Addresses: University of Udine Dipartimento di Engergetica e Macchine, (DIEGM), Via delle Scienze, 208, 33100 Udine, Italy. University of Udine, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Gestionale, e Meccanica (DIEGM), Via delle Scienze, 208, 33100 Udine, Italy. University of Udine, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Gestionale, e Meccanica (DIEGM), Via delle Scienze, 208, 33100 Udine, Italy

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an empirical study on a sample of 165 small manufacturing firms located in the north-east of Italy. The main research topics are the innovation processes within these small units and their relationships with the firm|s performance and structural aspects. The study depicts the technological, organisational and managerial profile of the sample, shows the most significant relationships between practice and performance, and verifies the presence of clusters of firms characterised by specific performance objectives, practices adopted and structural aspects.

Keywords: empirical research; small firms; technological innovation; organisational and managerial practices; performance; manufacturing strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2000.001378

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2000 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5/6/7, pp.810-827

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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