Title: Sources of innovation and professionals in small innovative firms

Authors: Mario Raffa, Giuseppe Zollo

Addresses: ODISSEO-DIS, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Diocleziano 328, 80124 Naples, Italy. ' ODISSEO-DIS, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Diocleziano 328, 80124 Naples, Italy

Abstract: The article illustrates the results of a research project carried out on a sample of small Italian software firms. To these firms the role of the entrepreneur, and the relationships between the firm and professionals are crucial to sustaining the firm|s innovative capabilities. Professional skills, job satisfaction, autonomy and personal knowledge are the most important sources of the software firm|s performances. On the basis of the field data a dynamic model for small innovative firms is presented to illustrate the behaviour of the firms in sustaining their innovative capabilities.

Keywords: growth paths; management of professionals; organisational control; small innovative firms; software companies; small firms; Italy; software firms; entrepreneur role; entrepreneurship; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1994.025586

International Journal of Technology Management, 1994 Vol.9 No.3/4, pp.481 - 496

Published online: 23 May 2009 *

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