Managing innovation in French small and medium- sized enterprises: an empirical study

Presents the results of a survey of how innovation is managed by French small and medium-sized enterprises. Focuses on drivers for change, actions to improve short- and long- term profitability, sources of innovation, and the relationship between different managerial orientations in the companies and the dynamics of innovation. The results show that a strong customer orientation - together with a true partnership with main customers - and continuous improvement of the company’s internal processes are key factors both for successful R&D and improvement of performance.