A new study carried out by Strathclyde University is based on important research into how Scottish firms use marketing when developing and commercialising significantly improved products, processes or services. 

The study reports on how 'innovative firms' approach marketing. The research was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise as part of the Scottish Innovative Actions Programme (SIAP), a two year EU-funded programme. The aim of the SIAP is to support ‘radical pilot projects’ to improve the competitiveness of Scottish SMEs.

The focus of the research was marketing skills, their use and their impact on business growth in innovative firms.

The survey results are based on responses from a wide range of SMEs in Scotland including businesses in tourism and leisure, food and drink, energy, construction, software and e-business, professional services, life sciences, and distributive trades sectors.