Innovation in small and medium size industrial companies. Management through technological functions

This study presents the results of an investigation conducted with the objective of conceiving an organizational mechanism to foster the innovation and in consequence to increase the competitiveness of small and medium size industrial companies due to a more effective management of their technology capability. After a selected literature review and based on an adaptation of the Crossfunctional Management Model, a multiple case study involving five companies was conducted. The results indicate that the model proposed is feasible and prospectively useful to foster the effectiveness of the incremental technological innovation in small and medium size companies.