Abdul Ghafar, Malini Nair, Pervez Akhtar
This study intends to investigate the extent to which innovation is viewed and practised in lifestyle entrepreneurial firms, to sustain market competitiveness. The current literature on innovation practices and processes is based on large firms. Given the paucity of empirical work in the area of innovation and lifestyle enterprises, this study aims to develop a better understanding of the major factors influencing innovation practices in lifestyle entrepreneurial firms. This study employs an inductive and interpretive research design within a constructive paradigm. Primary data was collected from a series of face to face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 Emirati entrepreneurs from Sharjah, UAE. The findings of this study aptly highlight how innovation is regarded as important for lifestyle entrepreneurial firms’ survival and growth. However, due to the lack of a systematic approach in place to manage innovation coupled with organizational constraints lacks support in measuring innovation against its potential benefits.