Product innovation among ICT technopreneurs in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose – The first purpose of this study is to discuss a brief review of the literature in product innovation, innovation strategies and resources. The second purpose is to present qualitative findings related to product innovation as well as their strategies and resources among ICT (information and communication technology) technopreneurs in the software sector of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study is a preliminary study to a larger empirical study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five ICT technopreneurs in Malaysia. Findings – The findings generate insights into the kind of market that ICT technopreneurs are in, the problems they are facing, their practices and opinions towards product innovation, and their strategies as well as the resources required. Research limitations/implications – One limitation of the work could be related to the small sample size. Practical implications – The findings imply that resource constraints, market factors such as market need, and strategic orientation towards customer and market needs may play a part in product innovation practices among ICT technopreneurs. Practitioners should pay attention to these factors to achieve innovative advantage. Originality/value – This study adds knowledge regarding product innovation among software firms by shedding light on ICT technopreneurs in terms of product innovation and the factors associated with it. The implications provide an impetus for further research in related areas.