Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Competitive Advantage of Selected Manufacturing Firms in Anambra State

Okechukwu Ferdinand; Cyril-Nwuche, PhD

Abstract

This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial innovation on the competitive advantage of selected manufacturing firms in Anambra State. The specific objective was to ascertain the extent to which product innovation and process innovation affect competitive advantage. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 320 staff of selected manufacturing firms operating in Anambra State, and a sample size of 178 respondents was selected using a structured sampling approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that product innovation has a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage (? = 0.411, p = 0.000), and process innovation also exerts a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage (? = 0.449, p = 0.000). These results suggest that enhancing both product and process innovation strategies can significantly improve the competitive positioning of manufacturing firms in the region. The study recommends that Product Development Managers in Manufacturing Firms should prioritize continuous investment in product innovation by conducting regular market research to identify evolving customer needs and leveraging creative design teams to develop new or improved products.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial InnovationCompetitive AdvantageProduct InnovationProcess

References

Adani, N. (2025). Innovation and Competitive Advantage in the Selected Manufacturing Firms in the South-East, Nigeria. Innovation Business Management and Accounting Journal, 4(2), 214-224. Akinwale, Y. O., Adelowo, C. M., &Surujlal, J. (2025). Entrepreneurial orientation and financial performance among MSMEs in Nigeria. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 36(1), 131-147. Audu, S. (2025). Organizational Flexibility and Competitive Advantage of Brewery Firms in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Management, Marketing and Sustainability Review, 1(1), 1-17. Bello, S., &Zakari, Y. (2025). Effect of innovation-driven strategic outsourcing on the organizational performance of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. International Journal of Financial Research and Business Development, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.70382/mejfrbd.v8i7.041 Bleady, A., Ali, A. H., & Ibrahim, S. B. (2018). Dynamic capabilities theory: pinning down a shifting concept. Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal, 22(2), 1-16. Cao, G., Duan, Y., & Edwards, J. S. (2025). Organizational culture, digital transformation, and product innovation. Information & Management, 62(4), 104135. Gabriel, P. D. I., &Edenkwo, C. (2024). Entrepreneurial Innovations and Organisational Performance of Telecommunication Firms in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Academia Networks Journal of Management Research, 8(7), 91-103. Gitonga, G. M., Kariuki, P., & Kimani, E. (2025). Market Penetration Strategies and Competitive Advantage Of The Telecommunication Firms In Kenya. International Journal Of Strategic Management, 4(1), 1-26. Meshack, A., Orji, M. G., Aggreh, M. S. & Nworie, G. O. (2022). Achieving Sustainable Development Agenda of 2030: The Role of Accountants. Britain International of Humanities and Social Sciences (BIoHS) Journal, 4(3), 543-556 Nooteboom, B. (2022). Dynamic capabilities: history and an extension. Cambridge University Press. Nworie, G. O., Odah, U., & Nworie, F. N. (2024). Managing the challenges of digitisation and a contemporary business issue at Coca-Cola. International Journal of Academic Accounting, Finance & Management Research (IJAAFMR), 8(11), 129-133. Nworie, G. O., Okafor, T. G. &Mba, IC. (2023). Financial Performance of Public Companies in Anambra State Amidst the Scourges of Covid-19 Pandemic Outbreak. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(1), 1215 – 1228. Nworie, G. O., Onochie, C. C., &Nwakoby, N. P. (2025). Strengthening firm sustenance through entrepreneurial innovation: Evidence from the Nigerian industrial goods sector. Annals of Management and Organization Research (AMOR), 6(4), 405-418. Ogbara, S., &Chukwunwa, C. (2025). Creativity and Innovation and Its Effect on Entrepreneurial Performance of Family Businesses in Eastern Nigeria. TECHNOVATE: Journal of Information Technology and Strategic Innovation Management, 2(2), 78-86. Okoli, N., Nuel-Okoli, M., &Ibekwere, M. (2024). Innovation Practices: Catalyst for SMEs Performance in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management, 9(1), 1-17. Olaleye, B. R., Lekunze, J. N., Sekhampu, T. J., Khumalo, N., &Ayeni, A. A. W. (2024). Leveraging innovation capability and organizational resilience for business sustainability among small and medium enterprises: A PLS-SEM approach. Sustainability, 16(21), 9201. Olawore, O. P., Oyelade, K. A., Tairu, O. A., Oduwole, W. K., &Awofala, H. T. (2024). Entrepreneurial Innovation and Market Share of Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria. International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies IRJEMS, 3(10). Oyebola, I. A., Akintelu, S. O., & Salami, S. O. (2025). Innovation and Performance of Bakery Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Biannual Review of Glorious Vision University, 2(1), 18- Rajan, N. (2025). Navigating Organizational Transformation in the Digital Age. In Digital Transformation (pp. 3-11). Routledge India. Suddaby, R., Coraiola, D., Harvey, C., & Foster, W. (2020). History and the micro?foundations of dynamic capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 41(3), 530-556. Sulaimon, A. H. A., Onyemaobi, C. A., Ebegbetale, C. I., Gbadamosi, T. O., &Fajimolu, O. C. (2024). Impact of Organisational Innovation on Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Management and Economics Review, 9(3), 507-524. Zhang, J., Zia, U., &Shehzad, M. U. (2025). Tacit knowledge management process, product innovation and organizational performance: exploring the role of affective trust and task efficiency. Business Process Management Journal, 31(1), 267-297.

More Articles from WORLD JOURNAL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES