Formulating Policy on E-Commerce and Trade for SMEs in the Asia Pacific Region

This chapter examines the role that the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has played in setting government policy to encourage increased trade by SMEs. A study of six “successful” micro and small businesses in APEC economies that was commissioned by APEC examines their attitudes towards trade and e-commerce. The case studies show that e-commerce can be a facilitator to trade for businesses with a propensity towards entrepreneurship and good management practices. To other businesses it may be seen as an inhibitor due to the lack of knowledge associated with its use and its benefits. The chapter shows how APEC used this study and some of its other initiatives to develop its IT and e-commerce policy for SMEs as part of its overall policy for SME development in the region.

Obstacles to SMEs for E-Adoption in the Asia Pacific Region

As electronic commerce (e-commerce) is becoming the way to trade, it is the large corporations that are exploiting their finances and technical expertise to jump into this abyss. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are finding too many obstacles to participate in e-commerce. SMEs in Asia Pacific in particular, face many obstacles and thus are still not comfortable with the concept of putting their business online, conducting transactions online or revamping entire business processes. This chapter describes the key factors that are hindering SMEs’ participation in e-commerce and the obstacles to SMEs for e-adoption in Asia Pacific. Although this study is limited to the Asia Pacific region many of the findings do contribute significantly to the factors hindering all SMEs’ e-adoption efforts.

B2B E-Commerce Infrastructure Success Factors for Small Companies in Developing Economies

This chapter looks into the key infrastructure factors affecting the success of small companies in developing economies that are establishing B2B e-commerce ventures by aggregating critical success factors from general e-commerce studies and studies from e-commerce in developing countries. The factors were identified through a literature review and case studies of two organizations. The results of the pilot study and literature review reveal five groups of success factors that contribute to the success of B2B e-commerce. These factors were later assessed for importance using a survey. The outcome of our analysis reveals a reduced list of key critical success factors that SMEs should emphasize as well as a couple of key policy implications for governments in developing countries.

EU E-Commerce Policies

This chapter not only presents an overview of the theoretical awareness and understanding of innovation, but also identifies and discusses existing EU innovation policy initiatives for SMEs, deliberating on the impact such policy initiatives have on their specific considerations. This chapter examines the strategic implications of the adoption and implementation of e-commerce by two successful start-up SMEs in the UK presented against a backdrop of relevant EU policy initiatives. SMEs, and start-ups particularly, find themselves having to operate without role models and tested business plans within an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

E-Commerce as a Business Enabler for Small and Medium Size Enterprises

The new economy is posing challenges for countries to enhance their competitiveness through IP-based business initiatives. A key strategy is to get small and medium-size enterprises to be part of the e-commerce ecosystem. Singapore has put in place an advanced digital telecommunications network as well as the necessary regulatory and policy frameworks for the support of e-businesses. In this chapter, the status of e-commerce developments among small and medium size enterprises in Singapore is assessed. It is noted that, whilst these enterprises still have quite a way to go in terms of emulating e-business practices, market developments will force many of them to adopt e-commerce practices in due course. State intervention strategies are also especially imperative in getting promising enterprises as well as others in growth sectors to come on board the e-commerce platform.

Helping SMEs to Engage in Electronic Commerce

In this chapter we present an overview of the approach taken by the Dutch government regarding the development of the information society and in particular the diffusion of electronic commerce in small and medium organisations. Our analysis also includes an assessment of the current situation of SMEs with respect to the adoption of electronic commerce and their position with respect to the governmental policies. Furthermore, we refer to active policy implementation instruments (“iMPact” and “ASPect” projects). Finally, the last part of the chapter is devoted to a benchmarking of European e-business policies, so that meaningful comparison of the Dutch initiatives with other similar programs could be achieved.

Providing Information for Business

Governments assume a major role in providing information resources for business as a way of promoting national development. This has proven to be a much more demanding task than one might suppose, given the diversity and complexity of business needs and the limitation of government resources for undertaking the task. This chapter will: (1) identify the challenges posed for government online business information strategies, (2) discuss research relating to the information strategy of one Australian government agency to support export development among small business, and (3) set out a framework for government online information provision in a diverse industry context. Coordination of the many government information services remains a challenge, especially among different levels of government. Well-designed strategies can improve the usability of online information and the efficiency of government information services.

Comparison of Factors Pertaining to the Adoption and Non-Adoption of Electronic Commerce in Formally Networked and Non-Networked Regional SMEs

This chapter examines the adoption and non-adoption of electronic commerce (EC) by formally networked and non-networked small to medium enterprises (SMEs) using the findings from a study of 339 Swedish SMEs. The results of the study indicate that there are no considerable differences between formally networked and non-networked SMEs in terms of EC adoption. This raises a number of questions concerning the nature and role of formal networks in the small business arena, and how these impinge upon the perception of the benefits, usefulness and problems of adopting and using EC.

Building Infrastructure for SME Adoption of E-Business

Challenged to increase the country’s productivity, the Canadian government issued a 10-year innovation strategy agenda in January 2001. Canada’s innovation strategy identifies goals, targets, and government priorities in four key areas: knowledge performance, skills, innovation environment, and community clusters. Complementing the government’s agenda, Porter (2002) similarly recommends that businesses in Canada: “(1) collaborate with competitors/government to create specialized infrastructure and education, (2) invest in cluster development, (3) serve sophisticated and global markets with demanding customers, and create unique products/services, and (4) encourage local suppliers to meet global standards.” The Canadian government has explicitly stated that e-business is part of its innovation strategy (Innovation, 2001). Here we describe a model to guide governments in building infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy. Using specific Canadian initiatives, we will make an empirical case to illustrate the model that countries around the world can use to facilitate SME e-business adoption.

The Government and eGovernance

This chapter reviews e-Commerce research in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand. The chapter then attempts to review the Government’s e-Commerce strategy highlighting commonalities and gaps with respect to e-Commerce adoption and diffusion research in SMEs in New Zealand. The chapter found the strategy emphasising the role of the Government in providing leadership, in building the capability of New Zealanders and in providing an enabling regulatory environment. The strategy is set out to be a complete partnership between Government, business, and the broader community to achieve these objectives. Recent progress on this strategy is reviewed and its significance to SMEs is discussed. This chapter points to the importance of prioritising the implementation of certain strategies by the New Zealand Government in order for e-Commerce to succeed in SMEs.