A national survey finds that SMEs are failing to use the full potential of ICT in their businesses.
The survey, conducted by researchers from the School of Management at Royal Holloway, University of London, highlighted that while firms reported very high usage of email and internet, very few embrace the potential of the internet (whether receiving customers’ orders or enabling on-line ordering).
“SMEs find themselves in a difficult situation – too small to employ a dedicated ICT expert and lacking the resources to buy consultancy advice,” says Dr Dyerson.
He adds, “The survey finds that SMEs are poorly served by government and policy providers. What is unclear is whether this reflects a lack of provision on the part of official bodies or is an indication of the quality of advice offered.”