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3This study focuses on SME networks of design and high-tech companies in Southeast Netherland. By highlighting the personal networks of members across design and high-tech industries, the study attempts to identify the main brokers in this dynamic environment. In addition, we investigate whether specific characteristics are associated with these brokers. The main contribution of the paper lies in the fact that, in contrast to most other work, it is quantitative and that it focuses on brokers identified in an actual network (based on both suppliers and users of the knowledge infrastructure). Studying the phenomenon of brokerage provides us with clear insights into the concept of brokerage regarding SME networks in different fields. In particular we highlight how third parties contribute to the transfer and development of knowledge. Empirical results show, among others that the most influential brokers are found in the nonprofit and science sector and have a long track record in their branch.
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This paper includes the research conducted towards the SME businesses’ ability to adjust with the help of students. The research question of the Business Booster project is four-fold: 1. To what extent do SME businesses focus on the future? 2. To what extent can students boost (strategic) renewal at SME businesses? 3. To what extent can design thinking foster future-oriented thought and action? 4. To what extent can students use design thinking to boost SME businesses? The Business Booster project has been executed in cooperation with lecturers and students of the study programme Marketing Management of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. The research project aligns closely to the mission of the study programme, as the students are educated to determine commercial policy in business and to create value.
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Based on a consultation of stakeholders and a survey amongst local and regional authorities the authors review the state of EU policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from a regional perspective. They propose a place-based approach to SME policy based on a strong partnership between different levels of government, whilst also differentiating measures to account for the heterogeneity of SMEs.
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Paper for the WION - Werkgemeenschap Inkoop Onderzoek Nederland - 2015, 3rd version.
Purchasing within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is important for the overall SME firm performance. However, purchasing within SMEs is not the same as purchasing within larger organisations and there is limited conclusive research on how to improve the purchasing performance of SMEs. This article describes research done by four bachelor students on the purchasing function within four Dutch manufacturing SMEs.
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Draft research proposal; 20 JAN 2013. Preliminary proposal for a 3 (max 4) year research project leading to a PhD. In preparation for the WION workshops on Advanced Purchasing Research and to be worked out in more detail as a PhD research proposal before MAY 2013. The research objective is to find out: How innovating SMEs can best use Industrial Property Rights (patents) within value chains with their (SME) suppliers and their (SME) customers, what are best practices and improvement areas, what is a suitable theoretical framework, how can enterprises, business researchers & practitioners benefit from applying this framework.
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According to various authors access to financing is one of the main limitations constraining further growth for small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Hence, academics and policymakers showed great interest in the topic of access to financing for SMEs. Various researchers argued the competitive advantage of large traditional banks in SME lending over smaller institutions. These institutions with more market power may charge higher financing costs and apply stricter credit policies for SME clients further affecting credit availability. In the past decade, SME financiers have entered the market as a response to the market domination of these large institutions. These new parties must gain trust as they operate in a market that is not regulated. Where traditional banks must comply with strict banking regulations, developing uniform regulations for the alternative financing sector remains a challenge. This paper examines the current challenges and solutions from a sociological and institutional perspective in developing standards for SMEs in the alternative financing sector. Our study contributes to the SME finance literature as it is the first empirical study that explicitly examines the regulatory gap in SME financing through interaction with policymakers, SME entrepreneurs, traditional banks as well as SME financiers themselves. Note: this is a confidential paper, part of a Phd-program and awaiting publication (as per August 2024)
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We examined scholarly and practitioner work to identify a definition of governance relevant to the small business enterprise. In addition, we reviewed growth articles to identify frequently used growth indicators and make inferences to governance literature. In order to ensure that these terms and variables are embedded in practice we examined 12 cases of Dutch SME firms in the process of growth using a textual analysis methodology. In addition, we interviewed 15 accountants/advisors on their experiences with Dutch SME firms as their clients. The combination of a thorough literature review with the collected surveys and interviews from two independent sources (SME owners/managers and SME accountants/advisors) allows us to triangulate data. We provide a tentative framework identifying nine preliminary governance categories.
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In this study we test if successors timing of the acquisition and his actions account for better firm performance. We surveyed 500 Dutch SME successors two to six years after their acquisition. With ANOVA we tested successors timing (declining, average and increasing economical growth) and actions taken (organizational change, innovation, extending markets, no change). All tested actions improve post transfer performance compared to no action taken. Firms acquired in declining economical conditions perform best. No interaction effects are found between timing and actions suggesting that actions are beneficial to performance in any macro economical condition.
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This paper analyzes connectivity and efficiency of a SME network across two industries. These characteristics are likely to be different for networks of various industries. The concept of 'small worlds' is used to judge overall network efficiency. The actual network can be classified as one in which a small world is present. Visualization of the results shows a single core group in the network. It was found that non-profit as well as science actors were overrepresented in the core of the field.
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In today’s digital era, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing more cyber threats as they adopt new technologies. From data breaches to ransomware and phishing attacks, these risks are becoming more frequent and advanced. Unlike large companies, SMEs often don’t have the budget or cybersecurity expertise to defend against these threats, making them easy targets for attackers. The impact of such attacks can be severe, leading to financial loss, damage to reputation, and business interruptions. To reduce these risks, SMEs need to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. One promising solution is to combine cyber threat intelligence (CTI) sharing with the power of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). This paper explores how using GenAI to assist CTI sharing can help SME employees improve their cyber resilience. Data from expert interviews and scenario-based tests show that using GenAI in CTI sharing greatly improves the quality of information, making it easier for employees to understand and act on. GenAI simplifies complex cyber threat data, helping employees become more aware and make better decisions, which leads to stronger cybersecurity practices across the organisation. This highlights the importance of providing employees with highquality, easy-to-access threat intelligence. It connects organisational strategies with individual actions, emphasising how important employee involvement is in boosting cyber resilience. As SMEs face an increasingly challenging cyber landscape, adopting innovative technologies like GenAI can help fill resource gaps and strengthen their defences. By improving how threat intelligence is shared and understood, SMEs can protect themselves more effectively and contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone.
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