eBusiness as a driver for regional development

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the case of a major knowledge transfer project conducted over seven years within a region of the UK.Design/approachAs part of this project a large survey is conducted on an annual basis which aims to track eBusiness adoption amongst small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region and the effects of such adoption upon regional development.FindingsThe paper presents findings from this longitudinal study and discusses these findings in terms of conceptions of eBusiness and the importance of developing more sophisticated instruments for assessing eBusiness maturity amongst SMEs. From the research there is clear evidence of the role of eBusiness adoption as a driver of regional development. The benefits from the initial Opportunity Wales programme are still materializing several years after the completion of the first three years of the seven year project.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a study of one region in Europe. Further regional cases are required to support the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings should help regional planners and national governments assess the value of eBusiness initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper describes the case of a programme funded by the European Union involved with the transfer of eBusiness knowledge to SMEs conducted over the period April 2001 to September 2007 within a major region of the UK. The scope of the research project and its longitudinal nature make the study original.