Deakins, David and Bensemann, Jo (2019) Does a rural location matter for innovative small firms? : How rural and urban environmental contexts shape strategies of agri-business innovative small firms. Management Decision, 57 (7). pp. 1567-1588. ISSN 0025-1747
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Abstract
Purpose In this paper we present qualitative evidence on strategies undertaken by 34 innovative small firms. Design The sample of innovative firms is solely recruited from the agri-business sector and are located in contrasting environments varying from rural areas with low urban influence to areas with high urban influence and ‘main’ urban or city areas. We discuss strategies in the light of a theoretical approach that incorporates a resource-based view, dynamic capabilities and social network theory. Findings Although there is diversity in strategies across our 34 innovative small firms, irrespective of their ‘rural’ or ‘urban’ environment, qualitative evidence sheds light on differences in the way that strategies are pursued. Research Implications The study indicates that small firms in rural environments can be just as innovative as their counterparts in urban environments, however, we demonstrate that they adopt different strategies, that have been shaped by their environment, to achieve innovation. We use our qualitative evidence to develop the theory of dynamic capabilities and classify our sample into four clusters which marries the environmental context and innovative dynamic capabilities. Originality and Value The paper makes a contribution to a research gap on the way that the environment can shape management strategies in innovative small firms. It contributes to a limited literature in this area.