Key factors for promoting collaboration in innovation activities in SMEs

Abstract

Collaborative innovation has emerged as a strategic pillar for strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rapidly changing and highly competitive environments. This study aims to identify and analyze the internal organizational factors that promote effective collaboration in innovation activities within SMEs located in the Metropolitan District of Quito. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys administered to 75 SMEs from the construction, advanced statistical analysis (linear regression, logistic regression, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation), and qualitative triangulation. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of innovation collaboration is not determined by the frequency of external interactions, but rather by the strength of specific internal capacities: a collaborative organizational culture, adaptive capacity, and technological readiness. A logical causal model was constructed to explain how these organizational factors significantly influence innovation outcomes. Notably, technological readiness was found to increase the likelihood of innovation implementation (OR ≈ 6.43). The study concludes that successful innovation collaboration must be understood as a structured, internally-driven process rather than a spontaneous practice. Practical implications include strengthening a culture of collaboration, investing in digital transformation, and fostering structured.