Title: Innovation orientation: an investigation of Italian SMEs producing building materials

Authors: Francesca Rivetti; Mirella Migliaccio; Arturo Capasso

Addresses: Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics (DiMIE), University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy ' Department DEMM, University of Sannio, Via Delle Puglie 82, 82100 Benevento, Italy ' Department DEMM, University of Sannio, Via Delle Puglie 82, 82100 Benevento, Italy; Wroclaw School of Banking Wyższa Szkoła Bankowa, Poland

Abstract: In the last decades, the attention of scholars to innovation orientation has grown considerably. Despite this, a shared definition and a common view regarding this concept are still missing. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on innovation orientation (IO). On the basis of relevant literature, we investigate IO with specific reference to Italian small and medium enterprises producing building materials. Following the Benzécri's data analysis approach, characterised by applying in sequence multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis, we identify factors which best describe the phenomenon and define a typology of innovation orientations. The paper has important implications for both researchers and practitioners. It can contribute to addressing further research, highlighting the most significant indicators and dimensions of IO. It can also be helpful to practitioners, in order to understand which aspects to emphasise, with the objective of increasing the IO of the firm.

Keywords: innovation orientation; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; Italy; building materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2021.112245

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2021 Vol.42 No.1/2, pp.187 - 202

Accepted: 15 Jun 2018
Published online: 06 Jan 2021 *

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