Rethinking innovation : the knowledge spill over strategic entrepreneurship In micro and small firms in Nigeria
The interest in innovation in the past decades as a means of economic development has been amply demonstrated by both government and international agencies. Similarly, there are bourgeoning literature and research studies focusing on this theme. However, the dominant narratives of innovation, owing to the origin of the concept and its research discussion is technological. Thus, innovation presented in the literature is that of radical product from cutting edge innovation, minted in the advanced world. This portrayal of innovation which has become global standard of measurement however, unwittingly stripes the concept of its contextual influence and thus sometimes applied to developing countries, a radically different context. This thesis challenges the dominant narrative and the resultant conceptualisation of innovation which arises from focus on big firms in advanced countries. Employing knowledge spillover theory of strategic entrepreneurship and using case study of selected micro and small firms in Nigeria, the study contextualises (i.e consider what is innovative to be context dependent) innovation, stripped of its contextual origin, to small firms in Nigeria. The study adds to knowledge on innovation and its linkage with development. Furthermore, drawing on robust evidence, the study suggests rethinking innovation as a necessary step towards improving firm level performance for sustainable growth, inclusion and local economic development.
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