Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/266470 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
ifh Working Paper No. 31/2022
Version Description: 
Updated version (first published in 2021)
Publisher: 
Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh), Göttingen
Abstract: 
In order to provide a better basis for measuring the complex interplay between digital technologies, competences and innovation, the present paper examines the digitalization-innovation link in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Starting from a review of the fourth edition of the Oslo Manual, a qualitative content analysis of interview data on innovating German SMEs is conducted to derive a category system that covers the multidimensional relationship between digitalization and firm-level innovation. Its empirical application confirms the heterogeneity of innovating SMEs with regard to digital transformation. While some SMEs are slow to find their way into digitalizing their innovation processes, others have started to use new digital technologies for efficiency reasons in the sense of "doing the same with less", while still others are aligning their entire business model with the requirements of digital environments based on the innovation principle of "doing something new". The paper concludes with implications for innovation measurement, managers, policy and research.
Subjects: 
Digitalization
Digital innovation
Innovation measurement
Qualitative content analysis
SMEs
JEL: 
D22
O31
O32
O33
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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