OPEN INNOVATION AND THE PROPENSITY TO INNOVATE AMONG SME IN POLAND

The propensity to innovate is defined in different ways. Innovation propensity is defined as a benefit for the company resulting from directly implemented innovations (e. g. an improved competitive position in the market). Another definition identifies it in terms of uncertainty (technical, financial, social, etc.), which is a determinant of decisions taken by entrepreneurs in the context of innovative development. Analyzing the interaction between the propensity for innovation and openness to the environment (open innovation), it is clear that they are in relation of complementarity to each other. However, it is difficult to determine in practice which of these two behaviors is primary and which is secondary. The aim of this paper is to analyze the propensity for innovation among SMEs in the context of open innovation, and answer the question if entities characterized by a greater degree of openness to the environment (open innovation) are more inclined to innovation or whether the tendency not directly depends on this factor. The research took place in 2017 among the selected (at the high level of innovation development) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the framework of the research project: The concept of "open innovation" in small and medium-sized enterprises - models, trends and determinants of development. The direct interview was the main source of information. The study included those entities which over the last three years conducted innovation activities in business areas. (c) 2019 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.UK