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What is SMEs (Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises)

Handbook of Research on Cultural and Economic Impacts of the Information Society
Japanese SMEs are defined by Article 2 of the Small and Medium- sized Enterprise Basic Act as firms in manufacturing industries with 300 employees or less, or with capital of JPY 300 million (USD 3 million) or less, firms in other industries with 100 employees or less, or with capital of JPY 100 million (USD 1 million) or less, firms in the wholesale industry with 50 employees or less or with capital of JPY 50 million (USD 500 thousand) or less and firms in the retail industry with 100 employees or less or with capital of JPY 50 million (USD 500 thousand) or less.
Published in Chapter:
Impact of ICT on Innovation: The Case of Japanese SMEs
Hiroki Idota (Kinki University, Japan), Teruyuki Bunno (Kinki University, Japan), and Masatsugu Tsuji (University of Hyogo, Japan)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8598-7.ch005
Abstract
The innovation process in SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) is complex and in comparison with large firms the causal relationships between promoting factors and innovation have yet not been sufficiently clarified. This chapter attempts to analyze the innovation process using Structural Equation Modeling, in particular focusing on the role of ICT. Seven hypotheses are demonstrated by two models. The results obtained are as follows: (i) top management participation and employee motivation in the innovation process enhance the effect of introducing ICT; (ii) the effect of ICT use raises innovation capability, in particular the ability to connect with external linkages; (iii) ICT use, innovation capability and external linkages enhance innovation activity; and (iv) the effect of ICT use and innovation capability promote innovation directly.
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