Skip to main content

A Study of Technology Uptake Processes in Manufacturing SMEs

  • Conference paper
Proceedings of the 33rd International MATADOR Conference

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a three-year study of the ability of manufacturing SMEs to take up new or improved technologies and use them effectively in their efforts to innovate. Based on empirical fieldwork, an integrated model that covers a broad range of factors that influence technology uptake in manufacturing SMEs has been developed. The model has been tested, refined and extended to provide a list of competencies necessary for the successful uptake and management of technology in SMEs. Manufacturers are able to use the model and competency list as an audit tool to identify their areas of strength and opportunities for improvement by comparing their competencies with those needed to successfully manage technology uptake and innovation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Tang, H.K., An integrative model of innovation in organizations. Technovation, 1998. 18(5): p. 297–309.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  2. Dougherty, D. and C. Hardy, Sustained product innovation in large, mature organizations: Overcoming innovation-to-organization problems. Academy of Management Journal, 1996. 39(5): p. 1120–1153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Lefebvre, E., L.A. Lefebvre, and L. Prefontaine. The role of technological capabilities in the internationalisation of R&D intensive SMEs. in 32nd Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences. 1999. Honolulu: IEEE.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Blackburn, R. and P. Jennings, eds. Small firms: Contributions to economic regeneration.. 1996, Paul Chapman Publishing: London.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Simpson, B., et al, Learning in the Manufacturing Sector. University of Auckland Business Review, 2000. 2(1): p. 38–50.

    Google Scholar 

  6. OECD, Globalisation and small and medium enterprises — Volume 1 Synthesis Report,. 1997, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Hettema, H. and R. Seidel. Can innovation be managed? The tension between technology and business. in Technology for Manufacturing Conference. 1997. Palmerston North, New Zealand.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Campbell-Hunt, C. and L.M. Corbett, A season of excellence? An overview of New Zealand enterprise in the nineties, 1996, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research: Wellington.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Frater, P., et al, The New Zealand Innovation Environment, 1995, The BERL Foundation: Wellington, New Zealand.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Knuckey, S., J. Leung-Wai, and M. Meskill, Gearing up — A study of best manufacturing practice in New Zealand, 1999, Ministry of Commerce: Wellington.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Lefebvre, E., L. Lefebvre, and L. Prefontaine. Technological learning and organizational context: Fit and performance in SMEs. in Thirtieth Hawaii Conference on Systems Sciences. 1997. Honolulu: IEEE.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Glaser, B. and A. Strauss, The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. 1967, New York: Aldine Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Strauss, A. and J. Corbin, Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. 1990, Newbury Park: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Simpson, B., et al. Towards a new model of technological learning: Experiences from manufacturing SMEs in New Zealand, in British Academy of Management Conference. 1999. Manchester.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Farrukh, C., R. Phall, and D. Probert. Tools for technology management: Dimensions and issues, in PICMET 99 — Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology. 1999. Portland, OR.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Kolb, D., et al., Technology Uptake in New Zealand Manufacturing: Report to New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association, 1999, The University of Auckland and Massey University: Auckland and Palmerston North.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Cooper, R., Winning at new products: Accelerating the process from idea to launch. 1993, Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Crawford, C., New products management. 4th edition ed. 1994, Burr Ridge, Ill.: Irwin.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Tweed, D., et al, Technology for Success survey: Helping SMEs to prosper, 1999, The University of Auckland and Massey University: Auckland and Palmerston North.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2000 Springer-Verlag London Limited

About this paper

Cite this paper

Seidel, R., Simpson, B., Tweed, D., Kolb, D., McGregor, J., Henley-King, J. (2000). A Study of Technology Uptake Processes in Manufacturing SMEs. In: Hayhurst, D.R., et al. Proceedings of the 33rd International MATADOR Conference. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0777-4_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0777-4_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1200-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-0777-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics