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In this modern world, there is rapid change which is affecting almost all businesses and managers. Firms are demanding to be more efficient and productive by strategically differentiating themselves in order to survive in the market and achieve set goals. More specifically, many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are embracing innovation development in order to improve their position. Innovation is one of the vital tools of growth tactics that enable businesses to enter new markets, increase existing market share, as well as achieve competitive advantage. Due to strong competition in global markets, many enterprises are demanding to understand the importance of innovation in order to improve the quality of their offerings, enhance their performance and survive in the market (Rosli & Sidek, 2013). Nowadays, enterprises are introducing innovations to apply more productive processes, to perform well in the market, and to safeguard a positive reputation in customer’s perception. All of these factors contribute to overcome difficulties while striving to achieve a competitive position in the market (Gunday, Ulusoy, Kilic & Alpkan, 2011). This is for the reason that, nowadays, innovation is one of the powerful tools that influence the performance of any enterprise, and it is not considered a luxury, rather a necessity for survival (Rosli & Sidek, 2013). Thus, encouraging innovation in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) remains a key initiative in order to encourage firm growth (Han et al., 1998).
SMEs play a major role in any country, which contribute to economic growth, employment and reduction of poverty especially in transition countries (Ayyagari et al., 2007). These are some reasons why SMEs are considered as an engine of growth, especially in the developing countries. One of the reasons includes the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation activities which enhance competition and productivity growth. SMEs are more productive as they are more flexible and can adapt to the changes in the market. Furthermore, they contribute mostly to employment growth, even though both, the rate of establishment and bankruptcy of SMEs are high (Tambunan, 2007). The role of SMEs in the economic and social development of countries is well established when applying the concept of innovation on these SME firms. However, SMEs in the Khomas Region lack innovation activities with 60% of SME owners not considering innovation as an important element (April, 2005). Moreover, there remains ambiguity as to what exactly constitutes the entrepreneurial sector in Namibia (Baporikar, Nambira & Gomxos, 2016). This notwithstanding that there are fewer new products in the market, less adoption of innovation strategies and hardly any innovation activities that stagnate sales and restrict growth.