Evaluation of the impact of the BANI world on small business innovation activities

Abstract

PURPOSE: Modern enterprises operate in a BANI world – brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible. Confronted with such a complex reality, they should base their actions on innovation and entrepreneurship. The article aims to present theoretical considerations and the results of empirical studies on the impact of the BANI world components on small business innovation activities.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Three methods were used in the research. The document analysis method consisted of a literature critical analysis and was used to develop the methodological assumptions of the empirical study. It was conducted using a brainstorming method and a diagnostic survey method using an interview technique. The respondents were representatives of 6 small businesses from different industries.

FINDINGS: The research allowed to clarify the essence of the various components of the BANI world with the help of environmental factors selected by experts. Entrepreneurs' opinions were obtained as to how and with what force each factor affects the innovative activities of their enterprises. It was shown that the impact of the BANI world components is positive but insignificant. In some industries, it supports the innovation process, while it inhibits it in others.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The main practical effect of the presented research is to understand how exogenous changes described by the BANI concept affect innovation processes in small businesses. The information obtained can form the basis for developing recommendations on what actions can be taken to survive and develop in a dynamically changing, unpredictable environment.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article is based on existing knowledge of the BANI world. It is presented in the available literature in a descriptive, qualitative way. The study's originality involves characterizing each of its components with specific environmental factors. This allowed assessing the strength and direction of the impact of each component on the innovative activities of enterprises.