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.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Tang, H.K., An integrative model of innovation in organizations. Technovation, 1998. 18(5): p. 297–309.
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.
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.
Blackburn, R. and P. Jennings, eds. Small firms: Contributions to economic regeneration.. 1996, Paul Chapman Publishing: London.
Simpson, B., et al, Learning in the Manufacturing Sector. University of Auckland Business Review, 2000. 2(1): p. 38–50.
OECD, Globalisation and small and medium enterprises — Volume 1 Synthesis Report,. 1997, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Paris.
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.
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.
Frater, P., et al, The New Zealand Innovation Environment, 1995, The BERL Foundation: Wellington, New Zealand.
Knuckey, S., J. Leung-Wai, and M. Meskill, Gearing up — A study of best manufacturing practice in New Zealand, 1999, Ministry of Commerce: Wellington.
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.
Glaser, B. and A. Strauss, The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. 1967, New York: Aldine Publishing Company.
Strauss, A. and J. Corbin, Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. 1990, Newbury Park: Sage.
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.
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.
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.
Cooper, R., Winning at new products: Accelerating the process from idea to launch. 1993, Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Crawford, C., New products management. 4th edition ed. 1994, Burr Ridge, Ill.: Irwin.
Tweed, D., et al, Technology for Success survey: Helping SMEs to prosper, 1999, The University of Auckland and Massey University: Auckland and Palmerston North.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights 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