Are Entrepreneurs Innovative? An Empirical Study

V Kamarasan; Pingale Ashalatha Madhukar

V Kamarasan Associate Professor & Head, PG Department and Research Centre in Commerce, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai
Pingale Ashalatha Madhukar Ph.D. (Part-time) Scholar, Research Centre in Commerce, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai

Abstract

Innovation means application of invention. It is a skill, not a gift. It is essential for growth of any organization. In the present study, an attempt has been made to generate a profile of innovative entrepreneurs based on their personal and business characteristics. Twenty statements showing the innovative behaviour of entrepreneurs were framed for the present analysis. The innovative behaviour of manufacturing and service entrepreneurs has been analysed using the twenty statements. Data have been gathered from a sample of 150 entrepreneurs in Mumbai city. It has been found that 40 per cent of the entrepreneurs have been innovative. The results also indicate that educated, trained and young entrepreneurs engaged in service enterprises have been innovative. Previously experienced entrepreneurs who have long standing in manufacturing have been innovative. The study concludes with various policy implications of innovative behaviour of entrepreneurs.