Abstract
Purpose The purpose of the article is to examine the role of public procurement as a means to stimulate innovation among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME’s).
Design/methodology/approach The paper combines a narrative literature review with a multiple case study of six innovation projects.
Findings The literature provides ambiguous support for the general claim that SME’s should be more innovative than larger firms. Even if SME’s can be innovative, this does not mean that all SME’s are. The case study findings suggest that few of the challenges innovating SME’s are facing would be ameliorated by developing public procurement of innovation policies specifically targeting SME promotion.
Research limitations/implications The analysis of the literature remains on aggregate levels. The included firms worked with health tech innovation.
Originality/value Unlike many studies and policy reports connecting ostensibly public procurement of innovation policies with SME promotion, this paper calls for a more critical view regarding policy development based on the SME construct.
Design/methodology/approach The paper combines a narrative literature review with a multiple case study of six innovation projects.
Findings The literature provides ambiguous support for the general claim that SME’s should be more innovative than larger firms. Even if SME’s can be innovative, this does not mean that all SME’s are. The case study findings suggest that few of the challenges innovating SME’s are facing would be ameliorated by developing public procurement of innovation policies specifically targeting SME promotion.
Research limitations/implications The analysis of the literature remains on aggregate levels. The included firms worked with health tech innovation.
Originality/value Unlike many studies and policy reports connecting ostensibly public procurement of innovation policies with SME promotion, this paper calls for a more critical view regarding policy development based on the SME construct.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2016 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Event | 20th International Research Society on Public Management Conference 13 -15 April, 2016 Hong Kong - Hong Kong, Hong Kong Duration: 13 Apr 2016 → 15 Apr 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | 20th International Research Society on Public Management Conference 13 -15 April, 2016 Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Hong Kong |
| City | Hong Kong |
| Period | 13/04/2016 → 15/04/2016 |