Exploration of ambidexterity among SMEs in the Dutch Maritime sector

How SMEs align exploitation of existing products and pursue exploration of product innovations

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

M. Dubbeld Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

V.E. Scholten (mentor)
Ron van Duin (graduation committee member)
Cees van Beers (mentor)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management, Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2018 Maarten Dubbeld
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Published Date

25-06-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) tend to focus upon short-term profit in a crisis period, however the EU advised SMEs’ to invest in innovation and quality of products. How SMEs balance between these two contradicting strategies is seldom addressed. Therefore, this study explores how SMEs align their organization upon short term exploitation of current products and explore long term product innovations simultaneously.
The results of this multiple case study research identify Exploitative activities are supported by commonality among organizational goals and Exploration requires investment in knowledge sharing. A moderating effect upon exploitation and exploration, as identified in literature about Organizational Ambidexterity, is also identified among SMEs.

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