Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs in Industry 4.0

Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs in Industry 4.0
Author: Ahmad, Noor Hazlina
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 271
Release: 2020-03-20
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1799825795

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been widely acknowledged to be an important agent of development because of their potential for addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty, as well as promoting inclusiveness in economic development. The sector is critical for achieving the country’s sustainable growth. However, there is a lack of research on the adaptations SMEs are making in today’s technologically driven market. Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs in Industry 4.0 is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of modern business development and innovative strategies for small and medium enterprises in the age of smart industrialism. This book features a wide range of topics including business intelligence, collaborative manufacturing, and organizational networking. This reference source is ideally designed for managers, policymakers, economists, entrepreneurs, strategists, researchers, industrialists, academicians, educators, and students.

OECD Studies on SMEs and Entrepreneurship Strengthening SMEs and Entrepreneurship for Productivity and Inclusive Growth OECD 2018 Ministerial Conference on SMEs

OECD Studies on SMEs and Entrepreneurship Strengthening SMEs and Entrepreneurship for Productivity and Inclusive Growth OECD 2018 Ministerial Conference on SMEs
Author: OECD
Publisher: OECD Publishing
Total Pages: 162
Release: 2019-07-24
Genre:
ISBN: 9264638865

SMEs that grow have a considerable positive impact on employment creation, innovation, productivity growth and competitiveness. Digital technologies and global value chains offer new opportunities for SMEs to participate in the global economy, innovate and strengthen productivity. Yet SMEs are lagging behind in the digital transition and are disproportionately affected by market failures, trade barriers, policy inefficiencies and the quality of institutions. A cross-cutting approach to SME policy can enhance SME innovation and scale-up, as well as their contributions to inclusive growth. This includes a business environment conducive to risk-taking and experimentation by entrepreneurs, as well as access to entrepreneurship competencies, management and workforce skills, technology, innovation, and networks.

Innovation and the Small and Medium Sized Firm

Innovation and the Small and Medium Sized Firm
Author: Roy Rothwell
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2009
Genre:
ISBN:

Analyzes the role of small- to medium-sized manufacturing firms in innovation and the economy, arguing for active government assistance. Small- to medium-sized firms (SMEs), defined as firms with less than 500 employees, play a crucial role in the economy, though this analysis supports Schumpeter's (1939) argument that the role of SMEs varies from industry to industry, and within an industry as it develops. Multiple general and technology policy reasons are given for support of SMEs, including that SMEs lead to a more favorable balance of economic power, mutually beneficial small/large firm relations, and a significant source of employment. Additionally, research supporting a model developed by Abernathy and Utterbach (1975) shows that in certain industry sectors, small firms contribute to a disproportionately high percentage of radical innovations. Similarly, calculations of the National Science Foundation's industrial R&D statistics (1976) show that small firms have performed better in terms of innovation measured against dollar expenditure than have large firms. The importance and effectiveness of entrepreneurship in small firms is discussed, as well as strategies for large firms to adopt small-firm entrepreneurial methods. After analyzing the differing economic roles of SMEs in the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States, it is determined that SMEs play the most vital role in the United States where they are seen as the cornerstone of a free market economy -- though differences from sector to sector are to be accounted for. Thus, SMEs merit government support, which they have been receiving in many forms, including entrepreneurial education, tax concessions, technical and information services, a network of industrial research organizations, etc. Concludes that SMEs are essential to the innovative progress of the economy, especially playing highly significant roles at the early, fluid stages of development in new technological industries. (CJC).

Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises
Author: A. S. Bhalla
Publisher: Praeger
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1991-11-21
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0313275947

In recent years, the potential role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in fostering socio-economic development has received increasing attention in the international economic community. However, no previous works have dealt with the technological capabilities of these enterprises. Here, A. S. Bhalla and a distinguished group of contributors fill this gap by presenting a sustained analysis of the technology issues and options facing small and medium enterprises in both urban and rural settings. The work is organized around three major issues: the policies and programs that affect small and medium enterprises; the innovation potential of these businesses; and the institutions and infrastructure most conducive to their success in developing and advanced economies. Following Bhalla's introduction, Part One looks at the macro- and microeconomic policy environment necessary to stimulate the innovative capacity and potential of SMEs. The contributors show that existing policy measures are invariably geared toward large enterprises and discuss whether removal of these policy biases is enough to promote SME growth or whether more interventionist approaches are needed. Part Two focuses on the capacity of SMEs to design and manufacture equipment or products--adapting technology to suit their particular requirements. The contributors challenge the accepted views in this area, demonstrating that even microenterprises have the capacity for product and process innovations. In Part Three, the contributors examine the success of the business incubation process in fostering technological innovation, the traditional forms of support offered to SMEs in developing economies, and the linkages between SMEs and research institutions. In each section, individual chapters examine the operation of SMEs in a variety of settings in both advanced and developing countries. Must reading for policymakers and students of international economics, Small and Medium Enterprises is a catalyst for informed action in this vital segment of economic activity.

The Changing Role of SMEs in Global Business

The Changing Role of SMEs in Global Business
Author: Alkis Thrassou
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2021-11-23
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9783030458331

SMEs are significant job creators and drivers of innovation and competition in most economic sectors. Furthermore, the traditional constraints of small and medium enterprises, such as geographic operations, are now being dissolved by technological developments. This means that there are new opportunities for SMEs, and their fundamental principles are being redefined: the aims, competencies, strategy, management, practice, and scope of these businesses are changing, with wide-ranging implications. This is the first part of a two volume work that incorporates scientific chapters on SME business theory and practice. Authors provide a balanced perspective of the present and future of SMEs across all business disciplines, including management, strategy, marketing, economics, and finance. While Volume II explores external issues such as contextual forces, the effects of the financial crisis, and macro-economic effects, this first volume focuses on the individual SME and internal issues such as innovation, quality, and digitization.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Poverty Reduction in Africa

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Poverty Reduction in Africa
Author: Aminu Mamman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2015
Genre: Africa
ISBN: 9781443872645

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Poverty Reduction in Africa addresses the vital question of why the millions of dollars of governmentsâ (TM) and international development interventions in the SMEs sector are yet to deliver significant and sustainable employment and poverty reduction in Africa. The book also addresses the question of how the SMEs sector can help in the eradication of poverty in Africa. The book also tackles the question of what policy makers, SMEs operators, would-be entrepreneurs and trainers can do to contribute to poverty reduction through the SMEs sector. To address these three key questions, the book has adopted innovative concepts and ideas that will appeal to the sensibilities of African policy makers, trainers, business operators and would-be entrepreneurs. For example, the existing literature on system thinking and spirituality in business is used to offer a novel approach and departure from the perennial focus on â oetechnical trainingâ and hardnosed pursuit of â oeindividualisedâ business and personal goals as a means of developing entrepreneurs and crafting SMEs policy. The key features of the book are: â [ a focus on changing the mind-set of SMEs operators, policy makers, trainers and would-be entrepreneurs; â [ contextualising the role of SMEs in poverty reduction by emphasizing the relevance of the African worldview, belief systems and spirituality during policy making, policy implementation and training of SMEs operators and would-be entrepreneurs; â [ theoretical explanations to why good intentions in policy formulation and implementation do not deliver expected outcomes in terms of the SMEs sectorâ (TM)s contribution to poverty reduction; â [ practical guidelines on how SMEs can develop a poverty-related mission statement, business strategy and business plan within the context of poverty reduction; â [ personal development guidelines for SMEs operators and prospective entrepreneurs on how to develop poverty-related personal mission statements and strategies; â [ the introduction of spiritual poverty and system thinking as the foundation for policy formulation and poverty reduction interventions in Africa.

Drivers of SME Growth and Sustainability in Emerging Markets

Drivers of SME Growth and Sustainability in Emerging Markets
Author: Sumesh Dadwal
Publisher: Business Science Reference
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2024
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

Various sectors of emerging markets face unique challenges, largely related to the gap between small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) research and practice. The relationship between SMEs and agriculture, tourism, and other key industries requires a close examination to understand the intricacies of their interplay. An emphasis on the need to bridge this gap, and strategies for scaling up and embedding new sustainability and technology trends into SME strategies is necessary for a healthy growth strategy within emerging markets. Drivers of SME Growth and Sustainability in Emerging Markets is a comprehensive book that delves into the intricate dynamics of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in developing economies. With a focus on a keen awareness of the challenges faced by SMEs, this book offers valuable insights for marketers, entrepreneurs, practitioners, and policy makers seeking to unlock the potential of these vital economic contributors. Drawing upon a wide range of topics, this book explores the multifaceted interactions that can either impede or enhance the growth and sustainability of SMEs in emerging markets. From examining the strategic risks SMEs face in relation to climate and sustainability, to analyzing the innovative practices and business models that can transform these enterprises into unicorns, the book provides in-depth analyses of critical factors affecting SME success. Furthermore, the book explores various financing avenues such as crowdfunding and micro financing and investigates the profound impact of digital transformation and disruptive technologies on SMEs. It also investigates the role of government procurement, artificial intelligence, and state-of-the-art digital solutions, highlighting their potential to propel SMEs forward. With a focus on entrepreneurship capacity building and government schemes designed to support SMEs, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to create an enabling environment for sustainable SME growth. From identifying bottlenecks and challenges to presenting innovative business models and sustainable practices, this book serves as a vital resource for business students, management faculty, and professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of SMEs in emerging markets.

Small and Medium Enterprises, Growth, and Poverty

Small and Medium Enterprises, Growth, and Poverty
Author: Asli Demirgüç-Kunt
Publisher:
Total Pages: 47
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

Beck, Demirguc-Kunt, and Levine explore the relationship between the relative size of the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, economic growth, and poverty using a new database on the share of SME labor in the total manufacturing labor force. Using a sample of 76 countries, they find a strong association between the importance of SMEs and GDP per capita growth. This relationship, however, is not robust to controlling for simultaneity bias. So, while a large SME sector is characteristic of successful economies, the data fail to support the hypothesis that SMEs exert a causal impact on growth. Furthermore, the authors find no evidence that SMEs reduce poverty. Finally, they find qualified evidence that the overall business environment facing both large and small firms - as measured by the ease of firm entry and exit, sound property rights, and contract enforcement - influences economic growth.This paper - a product of Finance, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to understand the role of SMEs.