In this paper we attempt to construct and validate a typology of innovation strategies
among family SMEs applying the Miles and Snow’s configurational model.
We also try to extend the scope of themodel testing the fit between entrepreneurial,
managerial and governance characteristics and innovative posture of the firm.
Research has been carried out on a representative sample of small and medium
family firms of the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia. Results indicate that significant
differences in the mentioned contextual variables exist among different
strategic typologies of family firms, however some questions remain unanswered
and more effort is needed to develop the configurational approach in the field of
family business.
