Innovation strategies’ influence on competitive advantage in telecommunication companies in Kenya
Keywords:
competitive advantage, market innovation, process innovation, product innovation, technological innovationAbstract
Intense competition in the global telecommunications field has resulted in heavy investments in
innovative approaches to remain competitive. Kenya has followed this global trend following the
liberalization of market operations. This article highlights how innovation strategies influence the
competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study’s objectives
were based on how product innovation, process innovation, technological innovation, and market
innovation influence the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. The study
used a descriptive design to sample 26 licensed telecommunications targeting 311 management staff.
The proportionate sampling yielded 247 responses. Using linear regression analysis run through the
SPSS computer program, the results show that innovation strategies statistically influence the
competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya with a beta of .376 (β = .376t = 6.613,
p<.05). The study concludes that innovation strategies, if well harnessed, provide a platform for
achieving competitive advantage over the long term. Innovation theories are truly supportive of the
dynamic application of innovation strategies within telecommunication companies actively seizing any
such opportunities in the short term. Undeniably, translation into competitive advantage will depend
on the aggressiveness of each individual company. The study recommends that firms should create and
maintain special teams to lead implementation of innovative strategies in order to attain competitive
advantage in the telecommunications sector.
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