The antecedents of bricolage in innovative firms: An empirical study in Tanzania

Abstract

Resource mobilisation is challenging for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in developing countries characterised by resource constraints and market uncertainties. In response to these challenges, many SMEs rely on bricolage to pursue innovation. This study explores the antecedents of bricolage and examines the relationship between bricolage and innovation. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse data from 229 SMEs in the Tanzanian food and drink industry. The findings reveal that financial and market constraints are important antecedents of bricolage among innovative firms and demonstrate that bricolage is positively associated with innovation. Knowledge and/or regulatory constraints do not appear to be significantly associated with bricolage among the sampled SMEs. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings include the need for support agencies and policymakers to recognise the importance of supporting SMEs to address innovation constraints by optimising bricolage behaviour.