The role of the entrepreneurial competencies of Finnish micro-enterprises for innovation performance: A case study approach

Previous studies have indicated a lack of research on Entrepreneurial Competencies (ECs) in Finland. This study investigates the role of ECs in Finnish micro-enterprises. The research question investigated in this paper is: What are the ECs of Finnish micro-enterprises in terms of innovation performance? The study was based on resource-based view (RBV) theory, and followed the case study approach. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews from six Finnish micro-enterprises representing four different industries, namely the cosmetic, health, food, and film industries. The findings indicate that relationship, commitment, learning orientation, strategic, innovativeness, decision-making and problem-solving competencies are important in Finnish micro-enterprises, whilst relationship competence emerged as the most important one among the four industries. The managerial implications include that a major focus must be placed on building relationship competence. This can be achieved through effective communication with employees within the organisation, and by building ties and trust between an entrepreneur and his/her business networks.