This paper focuses on the relevance of innovation in small enterprises. In particular, it investigates the role of innovation processes as an opportunity to face the difficulties the world economic crisis has posed. By adopting a longitudinal approach, this study explores the innovation processes of a sample of small Italian companies located in the area of Forl\uec-Cesena. Specifically, it examines the importance of R&D activities, how these are carried out, the factors that might stimulate or hinder the innovation processes and the role of management control in supporting the latter. The results show that innovation is perceived as a relevant factor in moderating the effects of the economic crisis. In fact, the investigated companies intensified R&D activities, reviewed their innovation processes and modified the way they protect innovations. Besides, the role of support of management control has been considered more crucial
