An empirical study of the barriers to innovation for small and medium sized enterprises in the midlands

Abstract

In this thesis the author hopes to look at the various barriers that affect small and medium sized enterprises in the Irish market today. He will outline these barriers and also look at how these small businesses are coping with being innovative in the current recession that Ireland has found itself in, as a result the business in the small and medium sized sector are suffering more in comparison to the larger businesses. The research methodology being carried out will consist of both quantitative and qualitative research. The author will carry out qualitative research by carrying out a number of face to face interviews, as well and interviews over the phone with a number of small and medium sized enterprises that are based in the midlands area. By carrying out questionnaires, and surveys to obtain the relevant information needed, the author will be doing quantitative research.