Abstract
The objective of this project is to gain a better understanding of how small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) balance research and development (R&D) activities. We explore modern R&D tools and methodologies through literature research. These tools and methodologies are then aligned with “External Variables and Internal Conditions” as identified by Keizer et al. and a framework is created [1]. This framework is applied to a case study. The case study examines HECO, the Hawaiian Electric company, representing a small enterprise. The results of this analysis show that the proposed framework for understanding SME R&D programs is viable.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Keizer JA, Dijkstra L, Halman JIM (2002) Explaining innovative efforts of SMEs. An exploratory survey among SMEs in the mechanical and electrical engineering sector in The Netherlands. Technovation 22(1):1–13
Longley R (2011) Small business drives U.S. economy provides jobs for over half of nation’s private workforce. http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/smallbusiness/a/sbadrives.htm
OECD (2001) Changing business strategies for R&D and their implications for science and technology policy: OECD background and issues paper. Copyright 2001
Leiponen A, Byma J (2009) If you cannot block, you better run: small firms, cooperative innovation, and appropriation strategies, Res Policy 38(9):1478–1488
Ebrahim N.A, Ahmed S, Rashid A, Hanim S, Taha Z (2011) Virtual collaborative R&D teams in Malaysia manufacturing SMEs. MPRA Paper No. 29177, Feb 2011
Gassmann O, Enkel E, Chesbrough H (2010) The future of open innovation. R&D Management 40(3):213–221
Matthews H, Bucolo S (2011) Do programs to improve business performance in small and medium manufacturing enterprise improve opportunity recognition? Reg Front 2011:999–1009
Wang H (2009) Developing innovation strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises in China, ICIII, vol. 2, pp. 570–573. International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management and Industrial Engineering
Krishnan V, Gupta S (2001) Appropriateness and impact of platform-based product development. Manage Sci 47(1):52–68
Rothwell R, Dodgson M (1991) External linkages and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. R&D Manage 21(2):125–138
Onugu B.A.N (2005) Small and medium enterprises (SMES) in Nigeria: problems and prospects. St. Clements University
Chesbrough H (2010) How smaller companies can benefit from open innovation. Jpn Spotlight Econ Cult Hist 29(1): 13–15
Inzelt A (2004) The evolution of university-industry-government relationships during transition. Res Policy 33:975–995
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer-Verlag London
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Hershberg, K., Elliot, J., Tamimi, S., Daim, T. (2013). How Can Small and Medium Enterprises Maintain a Balance of Research and Development?. In: Daim, T., Oliver, T., Kim, J. (eds) Research and Technology Management in the Electricity Industry. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5097-8_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5097-8_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-5096-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-5097-8
eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)