INNOVATIVENESS OF FOOD PRODUCTION ENTERPRISES IN WIELKOPOLSKIE VOIVODSHIP FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PRODUCERS

The aim of the paper is to assess the impact of quality management systems on innovativeness at food manufacturing enterprises in Wielkopolskie Voivodship in 2009/2010 on the basis of 25 surveys carried out and 3 direct interviews conducted with managers. All analyzed enterprises have implemented at least one quality management system and carry out an innovative activity which positively influences their functioning. It contributes to greater diversification and quality of products, increase in sales and entering new markets, and increased flexibility of production processes. Quality management systems help to shorten the time necessary for development and implementation of innovations mainly by regulating processes, implementing improvement measures and drawing up responsibility. Half of the analyzed enterprises cooperate with the research and design sphere or other enterprises. Such cooperation is mainly triggered by the lack of their own technical knowledge and not sufficient research infrastructure, deficit of experience, incomplete knowledge of market needs and customers expectations. Another reason for taking up innovative activity was to keep or decrease the distance from competition and to increase profits. The above conclusions prove a positive link between quality management systems and innovative activities.