It is frequently mentioned that during economic crisis one of the key elements of strengthening SMEs is permanent renewal and capability of innovation. However, only some businesses are able to carry out classical product/service innovation (Schumpeter). We are of the opinion that observing the best practice, adoption and/or adaption – the imitation – should be given a higher function in everyday business life. From the point of view of business development, imitation can be more important than innovation. To find ideas worth imitating it is necessary to react and start to produce rapidly, at the right time and bring to the market the essentials of imitation. The aim of the paper is to give a theoretical overview of the interpretations of innovation and imitation. Sectoral features and regional differences determine the scope of development and renewal for existing enterprises. At the same time the knowledge of entrepreneurs regarding innovation is insufficient, thus a new paradigm is needed.