Small Firm Survival and Innovation: An Evolutionary Approach. (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dobson, Stephen; Breslin, Dermot; Suckley, Louise; Barton, Rachel; Rodriguez, Liliana
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurship and innovation. Volume 14:Number 2(2013:May)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: evolutionary approach -- small firm growth -- social network analysis -- SME innovation; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Business -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship; Business; Periodicals; 338.0405
• DOI: 10.5367/ijei.2013.0112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-7503

Abstract

This paper explores 'evolution' as a means of complementing our understanding and interpretation of creative innovation networks in small firms. The abstracted evolutionary mechanisms of variation, selection and retention (VSR) are employed to add a more dynamic interpretative framework to the reading of social networks and group structures. The paper thus presents a lens through which to appreciate creativity as an evolving and shared process. The principal aim of this research is to illustrate otherwise tacit informal relations within a small business through the application of a qualitative approach to social network analysis (SNA) and, in doing so, to present intra-firm relations as central to creativity and innovation – particularly as the organizational structure moves beyond the dominance of the founding entrepreneur.