Dimensions and their elements affecting the innovative activities of agricultural SMEs toward their sustainable development

Abstract

The vast majority of firms in each economy are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including the family business. Their sustainable development depends on the ability to implement the innovative activities. Most research studies dedicated to innovation are focused mainly on technology-based SMEs. Our paper shows the importance of innovative activities in agricultural SMEs. The main aim of this paper is to identify the key elements covered by three main dimensions (technological, non-technological, and organizational) that have an impact on innovative activities of agricultural SMEs toward their sustainable development and to investigate the perception of these elements by agricultural SMEs. The approach of this study is quantitative, based on the data gathered from 192 Slovak agricultural SMEs. The results pointed on the importance of all dimensions and three main elements covered each dimension. The results of this paper may help SMEs, professionals, and policymakers to better understand the importance of innovative activities in agricultural SMEs.