(Investigation of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Perceptions of SME Executives)

Abstract

Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to examine the entrepreneurship characteristics and innovation skills of SME managers in terms of demographic and sector characteristics. It is assumed that the progress of SMEs in the global competitive environment and the ability to apply new products and new processes in their enterprises within the scope of entrepreneurship activities depend on the level of entrepreneurship and perception of managers. Desing/methodology/approach – The population of the study is the managers of SMEs operating in Ankara. The sample of the study consisted of 341 SME managers in different sectors such as construction, real estate, accommodation and food service, culture, arts, entertainment and recreation, agriculture forestry and aquaculture mining, manufacturing, information and communication, finance and insurance. The data of the study were collected using entrepreneurship and innovation skills scales. In the study, using causal comparison research design; Innovation skills and entrepreneurship perceptions of SME managers were analyzed in a comparative approach based on demographic variables and characteristics of SMEs. Findings – As a result of parametric analysis techniques, it was determined that individual characteristics of SME managers a nd s ectoral s tructures o f f irms h ad an e ffect o n m anagers' perception of entrepreneurship and innovation. Discussion – In t his s tudy, where S ME m anagers and the s ectors i n which t hey o perate a re examined in a multi-faceted manner, it is seen that entrepreneurship and innovation perceptions of managers increase the production activities and added value of SMEs, and their productivity increases significantly. It has been determined that SMEs that have entrepreneurial and innovation potentials have high contributions to the economy.