Pengembangan Produk Inovatif Kacang Sihobuk: Peran Kreativitas Dan Inovasi Pada Umkm Di Tapanuli Utara

Abstract

Sihobuk Peanut Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in North Tapanuli face intense market competition, making innovative product development key to maintaining their existence and increasing local economic growth. This study aims to analyze the role of creativity and innovation in Sihobuk Peanut MSME product development and examine the factors that influence them. A qualitative descriptive study using a case study strategy and purposive sampling technique was applied to MSMEs that have implemented innovation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results show that MSMEs have an average creativity score of 75, but an innovation score of only 68 (out of 100), indicating that creative ideas have not been fully implemented. The most common innovations are flavor variations (80%) and packaging improvements (70%). Innovation has been shown to increase sales by an average of 20% and expand market reach. The main inhibiting factors for innovation are limited capital and a lack of human resource skills (internal factors), while government support and access to market information are driving factors (external factors). It is concluded that creativity is the foundation, but innovation as an implementation still needs to be improved through synergy of human resource investment, access to capital, and external support. Improving product innovation is crucial for strengthening competitiveness and driving the growth of the Sihobuk Peanut MSME.