Title: On the capability of SMEs to innovate: the cable and wire manufacturing subsector in Nigeria

Authors: A.A. Egbetokun; A.A. Adeniyi; W.O. Siyanbola

Addresses: National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 012, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. ' Technology Planning and Development Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. ' National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 012, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: This study explored the factors that explain innovation capability in SMEs in developing countries. This is important given the increasing global pressures that these SMEs have to face. The data employed came from a survey of cable and wire manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The important factors that accounted for innovation performance were firm-level leadership and use of new technologies – particularly ICTs. Important external factors included interactions with customers and suppliers of equipment/raw materials. Particularly, the industry association was about the most significant driver of innovativeness. We therefore conclude that it is beneficial for industries in developing countries to be well-organised as a means to achieving improved innovation capability.

Keywords: innovation capability; innovation patterns; industry associations; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; internal factors; external factors; Nigeria; cable manufacturers; wire manufacturers; manufacturing subsectors; developing countries; global pressures; innovation performance; firm-level leadership; new technologies; ICT; information technology; communications technology; supplier interactions; customer interactions; equipment suppliers; raw materials; significant drivers; innovativeness; learning; intellectual capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2012.043981

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2012 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.64 - 85

Published online: 02 Sep 2014 *

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