Dvanajst znakov umiranja rastočega proizvodnega podjetja

Based on extensive work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this paper describes the early-warning signs for SMEs in manufacturing, which, if ignored, later result in business decline and even failure. There is a high failure rate for SMEs during the start-up phase of 1 to 3 years, but also a significant failure rate in companies that are less than ten years old. Failure to innovate, the business process, and products and services are the key elements. This paper presents a typology of the "death signs" that can form the basis of a proactive innovation agenda. The concept of "preventive healthcare" is applied to product and process innovation, and cases are cited of companies taking such preventive steps. Drawing on literature and experience from the fields of technology and innovation management the paper focuses on specific methods of innovation that can help a small-to-medium-sized manufacturing firm thrive over the longer term. The concept of "recession-proofing" is also introduced and applied to innovation in SMEs.