Authors: George Tesar; Hakan Bohman; Hakan Boter; Hamid Moini
Building networks among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central Europe (CE) is a complex issue. Based on preliminary research it is apparent that the managers operating SMEs in that region have a limited understanding of the how and why of industrial networks, or supply networks specifically, operate. Many of the managers find it difficult to expose their operations to their customers. The dilemma faced by the SME managers in CE is their fundamental attitude towards cooperation. The available literature concerning operations of SMEs in CE also suggests that the level of quality and technological expertise needed to participate in some of the supply networks is hard to achieve by the SMEs. Although some of the larger international firms tried to invest in the operations of their suppliers in CE, the results were found to be marginal. This paper presents a research framework designed to examine the propensities of SMEs in CE to enter into supply networks. The model is also designed to take into considerations the forces found in the external business environment that directly influence the operations of SMEs in CE. The model has two levels. First, the external environmental forces directly impacting the propensity of SMEs to enter industrial supply networks will be identified and integrated. Second, measures needed to assess the managerial propensity to enter industrial supply networks will be identified and examined. The development of this model is part of ongoing research among SMEs in CE. Initially the research approach was based on qualitative case development research. It is anticipated that, in the near future, quantitative research will be conducted among a large number of SMEs in countries designated for entry into the EU in 2004. Key words: Small and medium-sized enterprises, networks participation, industrial supply networks, internationalization, research framework, Central Europe, EU.
Journal: ( – )
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Publish Year: 2003
Conference: Lugano, Switzerland (2003)