Prerequisites and Impediments to a More Intensive Use of the Internet by Exporting SMEs: The Greek Reality
Πλήρης Αναφορά του Άρθρου
Hajidimitriou, Y.A. and Azaria, A.C. (2007), “Prerequisites and Impediments to a More Intensive Use of the Internet by Exporting SMEs: The Greek Reality”, Volume of Essays in honor of Professor A. Ignatiadis, University of Macedonia, pp. 195-224.
Abstract
It has been suggested that the Internet has the potential of eroding some existing advantages of larger and better established firms and creating a level playing field by allowing SMEs to compete on a more equal basis in world markets. In order to encompass the Internet technology, exporting SMEs have to face several impediments and prerequisites. This paper reports the results of a survey of the sporadic empirical investigations that have been conducted throughout the world both in developed and developing countries in order to identify the best practices on the subject of Internet use for exporting purposes by SMEs. The literature survey leads to the identification of the prerequisites of Internet use by exporting firms and the main impediments to a more intensive use of the Internet. Finally, based on a qualitative research study, we present the current situation for Greek SMEs regarding Internet use in exporting.
Keywords: E-Commerce, Internet, SMEs, Export, Greece
