DOES INNOVATION CULTURE CONTRIBUTE TO INNOVATION PERFORMANCE A PRELIMINARY STUDY FROM MALAYSIAN SMEs

Malaysian SMEs plays an important role in economic development and innovation as an engine to drive economic growth. Therefore, this paper aims at comprehending the perception of innovation culture among SMEs in their business operation. As such, this study is hoped to provide a preliminary finding of innovation culture towards innovation performance among owners of SMEs. An interview was conducted with a sample of ten owners/managers of SMEs in Malaysia which probing into their outlook on the innovation. The findings highlighted on the innovation culture that inculcates and encourages entrepreneurs SMEs to be innovative, creative and proactive in order to move towards an innovation-centered economy with the support of government. In sum, this study generates agenda for researchers to reach more conclusive evidence about the concept of innovation culture among entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

Keywords:

Innovation Performance , Innovation Culture , Government Support , Small and Medium Enterprises , Malaysia