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Facilitating innovation across SME networks

Author

Listed:
  • Ian Barclay
  • Keith Porter

Abstract

This paper describes the results from a 3-year programme of work to develop five e-business based SME clusters based on 25 independent, diverse SME companies. It shows how the development of a rapid, practical self-assessment for SMEs (based on key business practices) was used to define cluster inhibitors and enablers. The SME clusters were formed to promote innovative approaches to business growth and were based on mutual interests. However, it was found that this new and innovative way of working was hampered by the SMEs within a cluster being at various stages of self-development and core competencies. How the self-assessment tool allowed each SME to measure its own capability in key business practices, is described. The tool was designed to support business growth and new ways of working by assessing best practice in a range of key business activities. This allowed each company in a cluster to define a programme of work that would lead to the convergence of operational activities and key core competencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Barclay & Keith Porter, 2005. "Facilitating innovation across SME networks," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 5(1/2), pages 20-38.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijeima:v:5:y:2005:i:1/2:p:20-38
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Robbins Peter & O’Gorman Colm, 2016. "Innovation processes: do they help or hinder new product development outcomes in Irish SMEs?," The Irish Journal of Management, Sciendo, vol. 35(1), pages 88-103, April.
    2. Prashantham, Shameen & McNaughton, Rod B., 2006. "Facilitation of links between multinational subsidiaries and SMEs: The Scottish Technology and Collaboration (STAC) initiative," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 15(5), pages 447-462, October.
    3. Jean-Claude Boldrini & Emmanuel Chené & Nathalie Schieb-Bienfait, 2009. "Improving SMEs' guidance within public innovation supports," Working Papers hal-00423334, HAL.

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