Peran Inovasi dan Kemitraan dalam Meningkatkan Keunggulan Bersaing UMKM Batik Semarangan

Abstract

Batik Semarangan SMEs are required to increase their competitive advantage along with the revival of batik industry in various regions and the entry into force of the Economic Asean Community and global free market. This study examined the role of innovation and partnership in improving the competitive advantage of Batik Semarangan SMEs. Data used in the study is primary data which is obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The population were entrepreneurs and craftmen in Batik Semarangan SMEs. The result of descriptive analysis shows that entrepreneurs and craftsmen Batik Semarangan growing well, judging from the number and product development. The entrepreneurs and craftsmen Batik Semarangan understand the importance of improving the competitive advantage of Batik Semarangan. Depth interview and observations‘s results demonstrate that Batik Semarangan SMEs have to innovate although there are still many obstacles, but quite succses. The perpetrators in SMEs Batik Semarangan had to develop creativity, confidence and empowerment in fostering innovation and partnerships. But this time Batik Semarangan SMEs is still lacking in partnership, so marketing Batik Semarangan still limited. To examine the role of innovation and partnership on competitive advantage of SMEs Batik Semarangan used analysis Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results are ; empowerment have positif relationship to partnership ; creatifity and adaptability have positive relationship to innovation; partnership has positive relationship to innovation; innovation has positive relationship to competitive advantage. Unfortunately, trust has no effect to partnership; partnership has no affect to competitive advantage.