Abstract

Food industries are operating in an increasingly dynamic environment and are affected by major changes. In this situation, the importance of innovation for competitiveness and growth is obvious. Findings from different studies show that training is a catalyst for raising innovation in SMEs. As such in this study, specific realities which should be considered in planning training courses on innovation management for rural small food industries (SFIs) were investigated. From 104 registered firms, just 60 were active at the time the survey was conveyed. Therefore 60 SFIs were studied on a census basis in Tehran Province and 111 managers were interviewed. About 80% of managers have not attended any training courses in their specific field. Main source of information for managers was books and magazines and the most important channel for communication was face-to-face communication; as such it is recommended to hold training courses which facilitates this type of communication. Finding shows the insufficiency of training courses on innovation management for SFIs. Managers would like to attend in training courses in which trainers have experience rather than academic knowledge. It is recommended to agricultural extension to pay more attention to the need of this group of clientele and provide them with appropriate trainings. If any extension institute is going to hold appropriate training courses, should enjoy the experienced manager trainers with consideration to their intellectual property rights.

Key words: Agricultural extension, innovation, small food industries.