Innovation and Competitiveness in SMEs: The Local Experience in San Luis Potosi, Mexico
M.A. Mario Alberto Martínez Rojas, M.B.A. Gloria Cristina Palos Cerda, PhD. José Guadalupe Vargas Hernández

Abstract
At this time, small and medium enterprises represent the national productive force. They are the sustained at the generation of self-employment in the Mexican business. Determine factors are directly related to the generation of opportunities that maximize performance and level of participation in the local and international level. This paper analyzes the relationship between innovation and competitiveness through the operational activities measurement in small and mediums enterprises (SMEs) in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The theoretical framework is based on literature review, where it encompasses innovation and competitiveness terminology and the connection within SMEs. Further, it ascertains the SMEs economic and occupational work dominance taking place in commerce, services and manufacturing business activity. Finally, the research model focuses a quantitative paradigm to measure the competitiveness and innovation as variables. The results show, for a sample of 65 SMEs, that there is a direct relationship between innovation activities and competitiveness replicated in the operations of the companies studied in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

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