Harnessing Disruptive Innovation: A Conceptual Model for SME Growth and Adaptation
Hanlie Smuts,
Lizette Weilbach,
Kesseven Padachi,
Aleesha Boolaky,
Diroubinee Mauree-Narrainen,
Needesh Ramphul,
Hemant Chittoo
Affiliations
Hanlie Smuts
Department of Informatics, School of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
Lizette Weilbach
Department of Informatics, School of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
Kesseven Padachi
Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, School of Business Management and Finance, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
Aleesha Boolaky
Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, School of Business Management and Finance, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
Diroubinee Mauree-Narrainen
Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, School of Business Management and Finance, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
Needesh Ramphul
Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, School of Business Management and Finance, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
Hemant Chittoo
Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, School of Business Management and Finance, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
In the context of sustaining innovation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strive to enhance their market position through product improvements. However, globalization and rapid technological advancements pose significant challenges, urging SMEs to integrate innovative capabilities into their business models. Effective SME business model innovation, fueled by customer insights, process efficiency, and technology application, can promote development and unlock additional value-creation resources. Despite this, SMEs encounter difficulties in capitalizing on disruptive innovation due to the competitive, technology-driven, and volatile global market. This study aimed to define a comprehensive conceptual model of disruptive innovation specifically tailored for SMEs. Through an automated content analysis of relevant literature, 13 themes and 82 concepts were identified and categorized into four strategic alignment domains. These domains provide a framework for operationalizing the findings and constructing a conceptual model of disruptive innovation. Utilizing this conceptual model as a checklist can assist SMEs in turning disruption into opportunity, thereby supporting their adaptation and growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.
