Piotr WójcikMariola Ciszewska-MlinaričAnna Morgan-ThomasMaciej Madziński2025-11-202025-11-2020252658-084510.1108/CEMJ-02-2025-0039https://repozytorium.kozminski.edu.pl/handle/item/3801Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics of strategic renewal over time concerning its underlying and interrelated constituents. Design/methodology/approach This study employs multiple case study of three Polish-owned SMEs. Findings Strategic renewal is influenced by contradictory yet interrelated elements, whose significance shifts over time depending on the phase of the SMEs’ lifecycle. These dynamics illustrate the complex and evolving nature of strategic renewal, emphasizing the importance of understanding its temporal aspects. Research limitations/implications Limitations include its focus on a small sample of Polish-owned SMEs, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The study offers insights to managers and entrepreneurs by considering the changing significance of various elements in the strategic renewal process. By understanding these dynamics, managers can better navigate the renewal process, adapting their strategies to the specific lifecycle phase of their firms. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of strategic renewal dynamics over time. By adopting a systems theory approach and focusing on the temporal interplay of contradictory elements, it offers a novel perspective that bridges existing theoretical tensions and advances our understanding of the sequence of strategic renewal processes in SMEs.CC-BY-4.0ArticleStrategic renewalDynamicsPolishSmall and medium-sized enterprisesStrategic renewalDynamicsPolishSmall and medium-sized enterprises2658-24300000-0003-2275-13180000-0001-6048-26440000-0002-2228-64630000-0002-5121-7205Kozminski University, Warsaw, PolandKozminski University, Warsaw, PolandAdam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UKKozminski University, Warsaw, Poland