Technology and Growth at Mid-Sized Companies

Feb 10, 2009 in Information Technology

Explore how Small to Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that make intelligent use of technology can gain a competitive edge within their industries.
They are able to grow faster - and more profitably - than their rivals. Data integration provides all parts of the business with customized views of the same data, increasing flexibility and accountability. Applications that automate processes such as payroll, accounts payable, customer relationship management and inventory management boost efficiency. Through networks, SMEs can communicate from any location with wireless connectivity, access geospatial information, and keep in touch with customers and suppliers from around the world.

This study takes a two-pronged approach to the issue of technology investments in mid-sized companies. At the macro level, how do investments in a country’s ICT infrastructure facilitate the growth of both the overall economy and mid-sized companies? At the micro level, once the ICT infrastructure is in place, to what extent can technology solutions help mid-sized companies adopt industry best practices and achieve their business goals? These questions are answered using three types of research:

An economic analysis of the effect of investment in ICT infrastructure on GDP growth in 60 countries.
A worldwide survey of 535 senior IT, financial and management executives at SMEs on the use of technology to achieve business objectives.
An analysis of the survey results-broken down by the best and worst performers among the company respondents-to generalize about the IT practices of firms outperforming their peers.
In-depth supporting interviews with over 20 senior executives at SMEs in the financial services, professional services, consumer goods, healthcare and manufacturing industries.