From linear to exponential: How SMEs in emerging markets can adopt innovation-driven strategies

Abstract

SMEs play an essential role in the economic development and prosperity of emerging markets. This thesis explores the possibility of traditional entrepreneurship to adopt strategies from Innovation Driven Enterprises to enhance periods of high growth and possibly increase the positive impact caused by the SME sector. The study was conducted in Mexico and Indonesia, two developing countries with similar entrepreneurial ecosystems. Data was collected through interviews and using a semi-structured questionnaire and later analyzed to define three major proposed strategies. The findings show that SMEs can benefit from tech integration, refinement of their purpose and main value proposition as well as the development of strong communities.