Integrating virtual e-commerce
The EC-funded LAURA project had set out to develop regional and interregional electronic commerce zones. Particular emphasis was placed on the interfacing with Associate Countries in order to provide a smoother environment for integration with the European Union. This was achieved by collaborative efforts from both local and regional authorities and administrators as well as through the exchange of experience between various countries and regions. The project was geared toward small-and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) operating in less favoured regions (LFRs) of Europe and which often are in a disadvantageous position. The implementation of modern IT technology that aids the development of e-commerce is vital for SMEs prosperity as well as the economic development of the European Union. New integrated VOs known as request based virtual organisations (RBVOs) had been formed. These do not operate on a constant basis. Rather they are flexible in that they can respond to emerging business opportunities in a quick and efficient manner. The infrastructure of the LAURA project aims collaboration from business to business. This may involve e-procurement of finished products from one SME to another or the formation of partnerships for the development of final products and / or services from sub-components.
