A multilevel approach to competence management in innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): literature review and research agenda

Purpose This paper aims to improve the understanding of competence management in innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a multilevel approach. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a three-part structure to propose a conceptual and theoretical framework. It first explores the full scope of multilevel approaches to human resource management research, both in theory and in practice. It then reviews the literature on competence management in innovative SMEs, before demonstrating that the topic is a multilevel phenomenon. Finally, it reflects on the research and methodology implications, identifies limitations and provides suggestions for future research. Findings This literature review shows that competence management in innovative SMEs is a multilevel phenomenon. It outlines the research and methodology implications, identifies limitations and suggests future research directions. Originality/value The overarching contribution is to offer a literature review and a research agenda for a multilevel approach to competence management in the development of innovative SMEs.