Assessing the Innovation Capacity of Manufacturing Firms in Ordu Province: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Using CIMAS

Manufacturing firms face increasing pressure to enhance their competitiveness, penetrate new markets, and prioritise customer satisfaction in an increasingly dynamic global business environment.To remain competitive, these firms must adopt innovative strategies that address the evolving demands of customers.In this context, a firm's capacity to innovate is critical, as it directly influences both the development and implementation of strategic initiatives.Innovation capacity in manufacturing companies is shaped by numerous interrelated factors, each contributing to a firm's ability to respond to technological advancements, market shifts, and changing consumer expectations.This study aims to identify the key determinants of innovation capacity in manufacturing firms based in Ordu Province, Turkey, with a focus on the role of corporate identity.A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically the Criteria Importance Assessment (CIMAS) technique, is employed to determine the relative importance of these factors.The findings suggest that "clustering and international networking activities" emerge as the most significant factor influencing innovation capacity, while the "level of entrepreneurship" is found to have the least impact.These results underscore the importance of collaboration, international connections, and strategic partnerships in driving innovation, while highlighting the comparatively limited role of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation within the studied region.The findings have significant implications for manufacturing firms, particularly in terms of strategy development, resource allocation, and the identification of key areas for improvement in innovation processes.Additionally, the research provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance the innovation capacity of manufacturing sectors in emerging markets.