Title: The influence of size, age and growth on innovation management in small firms

Authors: Tim Mazzarol, Sophie Reboud, Thierry Volery

Addresses: UWA Business School, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6020, Australia. ' Burgundy School of Business, Group ESC Dijon Bourgogne, 29 rue Sambin BP 50608, 21006 Dijon, France. ' Swiss Research Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, University of St. Gallen., Dufourstrasse 40a, 9000 St Gallen, Switzerland

Abstract: This study examines the innovation management practices of small firms in Australia, France and Switzerland. The focus was on how firm size, age and growth influence the commercialisation process. A sample of 143 firms was surveyed across the three countries. Findings from the study suggest that the size of the firm, its age and pace of growth are important determinants in influencing how firms behave. Consistent with the findings from earlier studies the need for greater formalisation and external assistance as firms grow, and the need for customer research and independent testing when innovations are in their early stages were found.

Keywords: innovation management; small firms; commercialisation; firm size; firm age; firm growth; Australia; France; Switzerland; formalisation; external assistance; customer research; independent testing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2010.035857

International Journal of Technology Management, 2010 Vol.52 No.1/2, pp.98 - 117

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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