Barriers to innovation for SMEs: empirical evidence from Greece

The present research, conducted in Greece, concentrates on assessing the innovative performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). After a short outline of the theoretical aspects of the concept of innovation, this paper presents the main management characteristics of the responding firms and the selected results concerning innovative activities within the firms, as well as obstacles to innovation. The findings point to the fact that 'old' management techniques, bureaucratic structures, lack of financial support by governmental sources and the lack of universitybusiness cooperation hinder the process of innovation in Greek SMEs. Based on the findings and taking into consideration the international literature, some conclusions and recommendations are made for future research and policy implications.