The Role of Social Capital in Driving Innovation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Insights from Nigeria
type: CreativeWork
description: This study investigates the role of social capital in enhancing innovation among MSMEs in Nigeria. MSMEs are critical to Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment, however, they face challenges such as lack of institutional support, limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks, which all hinder their ability to innovate. While social capital is recognized as a key driver of innovation, there is limited understanding of how its dimensions collectively drive innovation, particularly in resource-constrained environments. To address these gaps, this research adopts a multi-method approach integrating bibliometric analysis, systematic review, qualitative analysis, and mixed-method analysis. The first study analyses 78 peerreviewed documents (2004–2024). The findings show that the field is anchored in three interconnected theoretical streams: network theory, knowledge-based views, and organisational capability perspectives. Evidence also points to the unresolved theoretical debate regarding the most effective network configuration for innovation, which informed study 2. Building on this foundation, the second study systematically reviews 50 articles to evaluate network tie strength, Findings suggest both configurations are situationally valuable: cohesive or strong ties foster internal collaboration, while weak ties unlock novel knowledge flows. Beyond structural configurations, the review underscores the need to investigate the quality of relational ties that underpin these networks. The third study employs a qualitative multiple-case design using twelve semi-structured interviews within Nigerian MSME owners and managers in the textile sector. Data were analysed using NVivo-based thematic coding to identify mechanisms linking relational ties and innovation outcomes. Findings show that trust, cooperation, and reciprocity provide relational stability that supports resource sharing, knowledge circulation, and inc…
abstract: This study investigates the role of social capital in enhancing innovation among MSMEs in Nigeria. MSMEs are critical to Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment, however, they face challenges such as lack of institutional support, limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks, which all hinder their ability to innovate. While social capital is recognized as a key driver of innovation, there is limited understanding of how its dimensions collectively drive innovation, particularly in resource-constrained environments. To address these gaps, this research adopts a multi-method approach integrating bibliometric analysis, systematic review, qualitative analysis, and mixed-method analysis. The first study analyses 78 peerreviewed documents (2004–2024). The findings show that the field is anchored in three interconnected theoretical streams: network theory, knowledge-based views, and organisational capability perspectives. Evidence also points to the unresolved theoretical debate regarding the most effective network configuration for innovation, which informed study 2. Building on this foundation, the second study systematically reviews 50 articles to evaluate network tie strength, Findings suggest both configurations are situationally valuable: cohesive or strong ties foster internal collaboration, while weak ties unlock novel knowledge flows. Beyond structural configurations, the review underscores the need to investigate the quality of relational ties that underpin these networks. The third study employs a qualitative multiple-case design using twelve semi-structured interviews within Nigerian MSME owners and managers in the textile sector. Data were analysed using NVivo-based thematic coding to identify mechanisms linking relational ties and innovation outcomes. Findings show that trust, cooperation, and reciprocity provide relational stability that supports resource sharing, knowledge circulation, and inc…
author: Chiaha, Okechukwu Emmanuel
license: https://dora.dmu.ac.uk/bitstreams/1d593037-ac23-468a-a580-8253ec5249d7/download
date published: 2025-03
date modified: 2026-07-24T06:18:37Z
provider: De Montfort University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: De Montfort University