Published Paper Details:

The emergence of innovation in small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) is vital to achieve economic growth. Hence, product innovations in attaining competitive advantage to achieve desired level of economic growth in Nigeria have recently emerged as one of the most significant subjects in the context of the common marketplace. This made it imperative for the study to conduct an analysis of the Role of Product Innovation on Small and Medium Scale in Abia State of Nigeria. Primary data sourced from selected SMEs clusters in Aba, Abia State were used for the study. The study utilized Pearson correlation technique and Z-test analytical techniques in investigating the role of product innovation on the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises in Abia State. The study based on the results revealed that there is a weak positive relationship of about 34% between product innovation improving the productivity of SMEs in Nigeria and product innovation by SMEs attracting government support in Nigeria within the study period. The study further revealed that the most relevant influence on business competitiveness for the SMEs is the defensive strategies. The study therefore recommended that government should encourage innovative SMEs development through the provision of incentives to SMEs and standing as a guarantor for loans given to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.