Exploring the enablers of organisational and marketing innovations in SMEs: findings from South-western Nigeria

Previous research studies on innovation tend to focus on process and product innovations. Recent theoretical opinions reveal that Organisational and Marketing Innovations (OMIs) could be the necessary prerequisites to optimally utilise and deploy such process and product innovations. It is important to note that there is a dearth of information on the enablers of OMIs capabilities among the SMEs. Despite their closeness to their customers, many SMEs are finding it difficult to achieve successful and effective innovations; these are innovations that have positive impact on the business growth and returns. This study presents findings from exploratory qualitative research conducted in the South-western Nigeria. Drawing upon information-rich evidence from 13 in-depth interviews with the owners and the managers of SMEs, this study identifies some enablers that can promote SMEs’ OMIs capabilities, effective innovations and organisational survival