Journal of Innovative and Creativity
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

Determinants of MSME Success: The Mediating Role of Innovation in Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Social Capital

Muhammad Arief (Universitas Pamulang)
Isep Amas Priatna (Universitas Pamulang)
Rasyid Widada (Universitas Pamulang)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Sep 2026

Abstract

Despite the dominant contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to Indonesia's GDP, challenges regarding sustainability and competitiveness remain crucial issues. This study aims to analyze the mechanism of influence of entrepreneurial characteristics and social capital on MSME success through the mediating role of innovation. Employing an explanatory quantitative design, this study involved 53 MSME owners in Bogor Regency selected via purposive sampling with a criterion of at least 3 years of operation. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results demonstrate that innovation plays a vital role as a full mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and business success. Interestingly, the findings indicate that social capital has no significant effect on business success, either directly or through innovation. The study concludes that internal entrepreneurial characteristics are a superior determinant compared to external (social) capital in driving innovation and business success. Practical implications suggest that stakeholders should focus more on enhancing innovation capacity and entrepreneurial character rather than merely expanding networks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

joecy

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Innovative and Creatifity (JOECY) publishes research articles in the field of education which report empirical research on topics that are significant across educational contexts, in terms of design and findings. The topic could be in curriculum, teaching learning, evaluation, quality ...