Impact of Non-Technological Innovations on the Sustainable Development of European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Textile Industry
Impact of Non-Technological Innovations on the Sustainable Development of European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Textile Industry

Author(s): Lubcho Varamezov, Simeonka Petrova
Subject(s): Economy, National Economy, Business Economy / Management, Micro-Economics, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Green Transformation
Published by: Икономически университет - Варна
Keywords: non-technological innovations; SMEs in the textile industry; sustainable development
Summary/Abstract: Background and aim: Innovations, including non-technological ones, within European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) significantly influence the level of sustainable economic development. The main objective of this article is to examine the impact of non-technological innovations on the sustainable development of the economic activities of SMEs in the Member States of the European Union during the period 2012 – 2022. Scope: The study focuses on SMEs operating in the textile industry within the Member States of the European Union. The selected explanatory variable is the indicator of innovations in marketing methods related to market promotion, pricing, packaging, product positioning, and after-sales customer service – while the outcome variable is the level of net turnover. Methods: In the data analysis, the method of linear regression and correlation is applied, utilising the capabilities of the IBM SPSS software package and Microsoft Excel. Results: The relationship between non-technological innovations and the sustainable development of the enterprises under study is analysed. Conclusions: Non-technological innovations exert a positive influence on the sustainable development of the economic activities of the examined enterprises. Originality: The paper highlights the contribution of non-technological innovations to the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Practical implications: The selective conclusions formulated in the study are useful for managers promoting the transformation towards sustainable development of SMEs in the European textile industry through the implementation of non-technological innovations.

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