Entrepreneurship and innovation, an opportunity towards the competitiveness of Mipymes

Abstract

The number of enterprises in Nicaragua has increased significantly. Entrepreneurship is a source of employment, created by families that decide to undertake as a means of subsistence. This essay explores a topic of interest “entrepreneurship and innovation.” We present a general conceptualization, data of the diagnosis of the national innovation system in Nicaragua (SNIN), some studies in different sectors where some weaknesses are evident. It also describes various programs to support Mipymes, the personal experience of the author, and a proposal for actions to strengthen these businesses. This essay reviews bibliography on innovation and entrepreneurship using scientific articles, reports, and manuals, as well as bachelor, master, and doctorate thesis. The research collected existing problems and weaknesses in the different economic sectors, such as the non-existent application of innovation in productive processes, little access to funding, low productivity and competitiveness, predominance of manual processes, and low technological levels of production. All these factors limited business’ growth and development, causing companies to stagnate. It is important to emphasize, that the implementation of science, technology, and innovation (CTI) in enterprises contributes to their economic growth, raise their competitiveness in the short, medium, and long term. It also increases the standard of living of entrepreneurs, and face challenges with new knowledge. All this will enable Nicaragua to achieve economic growth, reduce poverty and inequality in the economic and social sectors.