Title: Linkages between innovation capability, social media technology use, entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance of small businesses: evidence from India

Authors: M. Dineshkumar; G. Yoganandan; László Vértesy; Ahmed Karmaoui

Addresses: Department of Management Studies, Periyar University, Salem, Tamilnadu, India ' Department of Management Studies, Periyar University, Salem, Tamilnadu, India ' Department of Economics and Natural Resources, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hungary ' Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Meknès, Morocco

Abstract: Small businesses are pivotal in fostering economic development through their innovation in products and processes. In the global economy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are essential contributors who must integrate sustainable innovative practices to maintain competitiveness and ensure responsible growth. This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the innovation performance (IP) of small business owners in India. This study also attempted to examine the effect of social media technology use (SMTU), and innovation capability (IC) on entrepreneurial orientation (EO). This study showed the existence of a direct and significant influence of EO on IP and IC on EO. We recommend a public and private partnership model to invest in research and development activities of small business units. This study has robust practical implications for policymakers, society, and industry as it offers new insights into the linkage between IC, EO, and IP.

Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation; EO; innovation capability; IC; innovation performance; IP; social media use; small business.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2025.153405

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2025 Vol.29 No.1/2, pp.91 - 114

Received: 09 Feb 2024
Accepted: 22 Jan 2025
Published online: 07 May 2026 *

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