Relationship between Innovation Management and Small Business Enterprises Entrepreneurial Development in Kano and Kaduna States of North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between innovation management and small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development in Kano and Kaduna States, North-Western Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, which adopted a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 14,886 small business owners and employees in Kano and Kaduna states. A sample of 500 business owners was randomly drawn from municipal areas. The instrument used was the "Innovation Management of Small Business Enterprises Entrepreneurial Development Questionnaire," validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach's Alpha, yielding an index of 0.90, indicating high reliability. The research questions were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient, while Pearson linear regression (R2) analysis tested the null hypothesis at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that process, product, and strategic innovations influence small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development. The study concluded that innovation management has a constructive and noteworthy affiliation with small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development. Recommendations include that small business enterprise owners and employees should stay updated on best practices for innovation management, monitor competitors, and adopt process, product, and strategic innovations.