Encouraging successful e-business for SMEs

Handshake emerging from computers on backdrop of world

What's the difference between e-commerce and e-business? For many, they mean the same. Not so. E-commerce is about buying and selling electronically. E-business is much bigger; it's about using e-tools to integrate all business processes into a more holistic approach. Although small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over half the EU's trade, the process of transforming them into effective e-businesses is progressing slowly. The IST project, E-FACTORS is working on a solution.

The European Commission recently published its "Communication on adapting e-business policies in a changing environment: The lessons of the Go Digital initiative and the challenges ahead." This strategic document urges member states to re-think their policy focus and to set clear objectives and quantitative targets. In this way, member states will be in a better position to assess the progress and impact of their e-business strategies.

For SME management, there is only a tenuous perception of e-business processes and skills. The issue is not about Internet connectivity. SME-friendly e-business solutions and participation in e-market places and business networks must be promoted.

The EC's communication calls for indicators that can measure the degree of e-readiness and e-takeup. 'The work of E-FACTORS can be used to develop these e-business indicators', says Philip Seltsikas of the University of Surrey, project partner. 'E-FACTORS is working on a framework of factors that need to be considered for the successful adoption and sustainability of e-business models. The framework considers the issues in terms of five thematic priorities: technology, industry, society, individual and organisation.'

E-FACTORS supports policy-makers in this arena by identifying the key factors that need to be considered. The project is publishing business case studies, both successful and unsuccessful, that demonstrate the applicability of the e-factors framework.

E-FACTORS is running a conference on 11 April. Key industrial players will debate the way business models are deployed within organisations, and the individual industrial and e-consumer themes will look at the mental processes that influence individual decision-making processes.

Further details are available from the conference organisers below or from the related article published previously on IST Results.

Contact

Dr Philip Seltsikas
School of Management
University of Surrey
Guildford, UK
Tel: +44-1483-686314
Email: p.seltsikas@surrey.ac.uk

Source: Interview with Dr Philip Seltsikas; EC press release.

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Information :

DATE :

6 Jun 2003

MARKET APPLICATION:

Administrations
E-business