The challenges of innovation for Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises: the case of two SMEs in the Marrakech-Safi region

Abstract

Small and medium-sized businesses are characterized by their vulnerability due to their limited resources. Their lack of financing and expertise pushes them to implement new solutions to survive in a turbulent environment, marked by the difficult economic conjuncture and relentless competition. 

This article aims to explore how innovation takes place within SMEs, highlighting the peculiarities of this category of companies, in particular those that restrain their ambitions to venture into innovative projects.

The present research is qualitative in nature, and the multiple case study approach was chosen for its exploratory appeal. We focused on two Moroccan SMEs for comparative data collection. The results show that SMEs are characterized by their fragility due to financial, technical and managerial factors, making them vulnerable to internal and external hazards. They recognize the importance of innovation for society, but face obstacles such as financial constraints, lack of skills and management shortcomings, which hold back the adoption of innovative practices.

Keywords: SME, vulnerability, innovation

JEL Classification: O32

Paper type: Empirical research