The development of ICT advisors for SME businesses: An innovative approach

The potential contribution of information and communications technology (ICT) to improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has long been recognised. However, the realisation of this potential has been problematic and over recent years there have been a number of initiatives supported by government agencies and the European Union which have endeavoured to aid and encourage the up take of ICT to enable access to such promised benefits. One of the range of factors that has been identified as impacting upon the level of ICT adoption amongst SMEs is access to, and confidence in, external specialist advice. [IOM, 1997. IT Means Business?: a survey of managers’ attitudes in smaller businesses to information and technology. IoM Report. IOM, 2000 Does Technology Mean Business. IoM Report]. This article reviews one related initiative ‘Technology Means Business’ and offers a number of unique insights for individuals and organisations who may be involved in the development of similar initiatives now and in the future.