Title: Strategic Innovation in Small Firms: An Introduction
Abstract: This book represents the collaborative efforts of a consortium of researchers located around the world. The original inspiration for the work came from a request by INPI (Institut National de la Propriete Industrielle) or the Institute for Intellectual Property in France, for a means of screening the innovative ideas of entrepreneurs prior to their decision to commit significant resources to the commercialisation process. Initial work was undertaken in France by the Centre for Business Research (CEREN) at the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon and LINEN-HEC Paris. This generated a conceptual framework for use in the early stage screening of new innovations. The original work undertaken in France for INPI was conducted using case studies of a small number of French firms. These findings were then transferred internationally with collaboration between CEREN and the Business School at the University of Western Australia (UWA). A pilot study was undertaken with Australian firms and the screening tools further evaluated, developed and refined. Assistance was provided by the State Government of Western Australia. The key objectives of this pilot study were to: