Innovation & SME Network Structures
Sustainable Innovation Technology Services (SITES) is proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed research paper titled “Advancing product and process innovation through knowledge-sharing networks among European industrial SMEs.” The article appears in Advanced Manufacturing Research (Vol. 3, Issue 2, December 2025) and represents a significant contribution to Europe’s industrial innovation landscape.
The publication is co-authored by:
- Ahmet Feyzioğlu – University of Chester (UK) & Marmara University (Türkiye)
- Eyyup Kuşak – Lazertek Engineering, Belgium
- Abdulkerim Kar – Istanbul Ticaret University
- Donatella Santoro – REDINN, Italy
- Leonardo Piccinetti – SITES, Ireland
- Trevor Uyi Omoruyi – University of Chester (UK)
🔍 About the Publication
Drawing on more than a year of interviews, fieldwork, and analysis with micro-industrial enterprises across Europe—including Türkiye, Italy, Belgium, and the UK—the study explores:
- How SMEs develop products and processes under resource constraints
- How internal and external communication networks shape innovation capacity
- How “small-world network structures” increase productivity and creative resilience
- The gaps in existing design methodologies for micro-scale enterprises (under 10 employees)
- A proposed new product design and development model tailored specifically to micro-SMEs
The research highlights that while micro-enterprises form the backbone of Europe’s industrial economy, they lack structured frameworks for product design—often relying on tacit knowledge held by a single team member. By analyzing network structures (see Figs. 11–13, pp. 54–55) and product development patterns (Figs. 1–8), the study proposes an actionable, evidence-based methodology that strengthens innovation and competitiveness.
🌍 SITES’ Contribution
SITES Managing Director Leonardo Piccinetti contributed strategic insights on innovation ecosystems, global competition factors, and SME modernization initiatives, reinforcing SITES’ mission of supporting sustainable development and technological advancement across Europe. amr-3-2-25543
This publication strengthens SITES’ growing academic footprint and underscores our commitment to bridging research, innovation, and industry transformation.
📘 Access the Publication
The full article is available via Advanced Manufacturing Research:
“Advancing product and process innovation through knowledge-sharing networks among European industrial SMEs.”
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21595/amr.2025.25543
