INNOVATION CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC RESPONSES OF SMES IN THE UAE MOBILE PHONE INDUSTRY

Автори

  • Ebrahim Mollik Postgraduate Student, MSc International Business with Data Analytics, Ulster University, London Campus, United Kingdom
  • Faisal Majeed Professor Dr., Faculty Member & Supervisor, Ulster University, London Campus, United Kingdom

ДОИ:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejefr.v9i3.1992

Клучни зборови:

SME innovation, innovation barriers, strategic responses, mobile phone resale, UAE emerging markets

Апстракт

The research paper analyses the uncertainty concerning innovation challenges and responses to these challenges as they relate to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are currently functioning under the mobile phone resale and recycling niche in the UAE. It is a qualitative, case-based study and is an interpretivist philosophy derived. As such, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 SME owners, managers, and industry experts. The major outcome is that SMEs encounter some serious barriers to innovation, such as the regulatory complexity involved, lack of access to funds, digital capability gap, and the continuous scepticism about refurbished products by consumers. In response, SMEs develop adaptive strategies as outsourcing for refurbishments, engaging in green branding and certifications, and aligning with national policy initiatives. This study extends and reinforces an earlier conceptual framework on SME innovation in showing the reality of constraints and practice into which innovation is moulded. Practical recommendations are made both to SMEs and policymakers to create a more enabling ecosystem for innovation in emerging markets.

JEL:  L26, O32, M21, Q56

 

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Биографии на авторите

  • Ebrahim Mollik, Postgraduate Student, MSc International Business with Data Analytics, Ulster University, London Campus, United Kingdom

    Ebrahim Mollik is a postgraduate researcher in International Business with Data Analytics at Ulster University, London Campus, UK. His academic work focuses on innovation in SMEs, digital transformation, Islamic finance, and sustainable development in emerging markets. He has published peer-reviewed articles in the European Journal of Economic and Financial Research and Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development (Emerald Publishing). His recent research explores cybersecurity in Islamic digital banking, innovation strategies in the UAE mobile phone sector, and the integration of social impact models such as Dr. Muhammad Yunus' Three Zeroes Theory into Islamic FinTech and financial inclusion frameworks.

  • Faisal Majeed, Professor Dr., Faculty Member & Supervisor, Ulster University, London Campus, United Kingdom

    Dr. Faisal Majeed is an experienced Business Management Lecturer and Dissertation Supervisor with over 10 years of expertise in teaching, research, and management, both locally and internationally. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management from the University of Bolton and an M.Sc. in International Business and Management from the University of Bedfordshire. With a background in Marketing (MBA) and proficiency in English, Dr. Majeed possesses excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. He is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and supporting students in their careers, combining innovative teaching methods with practical industry insights.

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Преземања

Објавено

2025-07-17

Издание

Том. 9 Бр. 3 (2025)

Секција

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