Innovation as competitiveness driving force through the resources and capacities of SMEs in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic

Authors

  • Ulises Mendez-Vega Universidad Ana G Mendez – Cupey, Division de Negocios UAGM Cupey, PO BOX 21150, San Juan PR 00928, & Keiser University- Latin Division, 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309, USA
  • Glenda Muñiz-Umana Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Escuela de Ciencias de la Administración, Edificio C, 4to piso, Oficina 405, De la Rotonda la Betania 500 metros al este, carretera a Sabanilla, Mercedes de Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica, & Keiser University- Latin Division, 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
  • Jose A Flecha-Ortiz Universidad Ana G Mendez- Gurabo, PO Box 3030, Gurabo, PR 00778-3030 & Keiser University- Latin Division, 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
  • Maria Santos-Corrada Universidad Ana G Mendez- Gurabo, PO Box 3030, Gurabo, PR 00778-3030 USA

Abstract

Literature reflects that Latin America and the Caribbean register more SMEs and produce more entrepreneurial activity than any other place in the world. Using the Theory of Resources and Capabilities, this research explored how SMEs in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic managed the heterogeneity of their entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, social and human capital resources and their impact on innovation capacity and competitiveness. With a survey of 467 SMEs and the analysis of data with the use of PLS-SEM & PLS-MGA, this study contributed new information based on resources and capacities that showed the maximum set of possible variables analyzed for a theoretical understanding and practice of the heterogeneity of resources. The results reflected a positive impact on the proposed hypothesis through the structural model. The data highlight market orientation as the most valuable resource that facilitates innovation and competitiveness in SMEs analyzed. The results revealed and contributed to the new lines of research on how differences and the degree of importance in managing resources generated high competitiveness through their capacity for innovation.

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Published

2021-08-11

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Innovation as competitiveness driving force through the resources and capacities of SMEs in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. (2021). Journal of Small Business Strategy (archive Only), 31(3), 1-18. https://libjournals.mtsu.edu/index.php/jsbs/article/view/1648