SMEs and electronic commerce: a departure from the traditional prioritisation of training?

The strong presence of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is a key feature of the Irish economy. The sector is considered to be a crucial factor in the nation’s competitive development, particularly in recognition of its contribution to economic renewal which is primarily witnessed through employment generation, innovation and wealth creation. The organisational implementation of new technologies and electronic commerce in particular can aid SMEs in coping with their operational environment and can provide numerous organisational opportunities. However, current literature stipulates that SMEs are not proficient in their exploitation of electronic commerce and are weak in their provision of training thereof. The factors influencing this phenomenon are explored in this paper.