Comparative Analysis of R&D-Based Innovation Capabilities in SMEs to Design Innovation Policy

This study suggests a novel approach to assessing research and development (R&D) innovation capabilities and devises solutions to support the strengthening innovation capabilities of technology-based SMEs. An assessment framework is developed using top-down and bottom-up approaches simultaneously to identify the critical capabilities required for R&D-based innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The data envelopment analysis (DEA) is adopted as a method for the assessment of capabilities, and the suggested approach is applied to Korean SMEs to verify its feasibility. The assessment results indicate that different types of core R&D-based innovation capabilities can be identified based on a comparative analysis of SMEs. These findings can help understand SMEs' innovation capabilities and are expected to be used widely in practices to support SMEs' innovation activities.