• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.21-37
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• 2018

The purpose of this research was to test the effects of entrepreneurship and technological innovation capability on new product performance in SMEs and the moderating role of absorption capability. For this study, Research data were collected through questionnaire instruments from the sample of 374 employees in 18 SMEs of metropolitan area. The 336 sample was selected and analyzed by hierarchical regression technique. The results showed that entrepreneurship and technological innovation capability had a positive effect on new product performance. And also found out absorption capability had the moderate roles between all the three factors of technological innovation capability factors and new product performance, but not between all the three factors of entrepreneurship and new product performance. With the research results, the implications for technical management of SMEs were discussed, and the directions for future research were suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2022

A systematic support system that develops technology support policies for SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) and solves technical problems faced by SMEs will increase the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs. To this end, it is necessary to identify the types and level of technology required for SMEs, and to find ways to utilize the technologies possessed by government-funded research institutes leading technology development. It is important to develop a new production technology and to establish a cooperation system between SMEs and government- funded research institutes to solve various pending problems.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.181-204
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• 2007

Trade Portal Site(TPS) is one of the innovative skills which makes it possible for small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to manage international trade activities more efficiently by using the newest information and telecommunication technology. Based on performance and an existing research related to using information technology, this research analyzed the user's degree of utilization of TPSs which moderates effects between SMEs characteristics and export performance of SMEs. According to the results of the empirical study on actual data of 194 sample firms by using moderated regression analysis, there are significant only organizational characteristics among determinants(such as organizational characteristics, export characteristics) as the degree of utilization of TPSs. These research results provide many useful insights to the CEOs of SMEs using the services of TPSs, e-Trade system developers, and government policy makers. First, CEOs and managers of SMEs should have thorough understanding of the importance of the new information technology and e-Trade and positively adopt new e-Trade solutions and systems to their export processes to enhance global competitiveness. Second, TPS managers and e-Trade systems developers must concentrate on improving the user's degree of utilization of TPSs. Finally, the government agency should develop the various e-Trade promotion policies to support the efforts of SMEs organizational characteristics and TPS to increase the degree of utilization of TPS, which have positive effects on the export performance of SMEs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Operations and Management Science Society Conference
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• 2008.10a
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• pp.464-486
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• 2008

Purpose. Electronic intermediaries (e-intermediaries) are gaining significance in international marketing with the rapid development of e-commerce. The goal of this study is to explain empirically what leads to a higher use of this relatively new exportation alternative. Relying on a resource-based view as our research foundation, we focus on information technology (IT) and non-IT factors as possible determinants. Further, this study brings arguments offered by transaction cost theorists to explain the other non-IT determinants. Methodology/Approach. Data are collected from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the electronic industry in Korea and the U.S to ensure generalizability. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression is utilized to analyze the data. Findings. This study raises new issues regarding a relatively new type of exporting channel, e-intermediary. Exporting is regarded as the most appropriate strategy for SMEs in international commerce. A number of SMEs stay away from exporting due to limited resources or lack of knowledge regarding foreign markets. The findings in this study should help SMEs use e-intermediaries more widely by developing appropriate IT-related resources (IT-related human and relationship assets) and dealing with non-IT factors (international competence, environmental uncertainty, and duration of relationship) effectively. Originality/Value/Contribution. This study illustrates the significant role of e-intermediaries, which may help SMEs to penetrate the global market effectively. Finding relevant sources in the global e-marketplace is a challenge for non-experienced users like SMEs. This study proposes e-intermediaries as an effective alternative for them. Another contribution of this study is to show how the use of indirect exporting channels, e-intermediaries, decrease costs in exporting transactions. This study suggests an e-intermediary as a hybrid exporting channel to balance risk and profit.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.147-165
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• 2012

Recently, the theory of open innovation emerges as a new innovation paradigm. This paper aims to examine open innovation activities of SMEs. Many firms tend to search new knowledge from various external sources and to pursue to achieve innovation resources or knowledge of external innovators. Particularly, this paper focus on the process of external knowledge networking and open innovation occurred in the process of technology innovation. The data used in this study were those that had been collected for total 3,400 sample SMEs that had conducted R&D. and in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 SMEs located at Chungbuk-Technopark. Empirical findings can be summarized as follows; SMEs tend to search new knowledge from various external sources and to pursue to achieve innovation resources or knowledge of external innovators, because they have lack of innovation resources. therefore, the conducting of open innovation affected positively the innovation performance of SMEs. In addition, empirical findings also indicated that expanding flexibility of labor market enhances open innovation activities of SMEs.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.153-168
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• 2021

Purpose - In this study, we aim to explore new distribution strategies for sustainable growth in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, focusing on SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Korea, and suggest ways to upgrade the government's official distribution channel to the next level. Design/methodology - First of all, this paper explored the prior research, the current status of sales support for SMEs, and the changes in the distribution industry due to COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Moon (2016)'s ABCD strategic model - Agility, Benchmarking, Convergence, and Dedication, the study then derived directions in which official distribution channels should move and the new distribution strategy for Korean SMEs to secure competitive advantage. Findings - First, in terms of 'Agility', in order to upgrade official distribution channels, which are currently at some competitive disadvantages compared to private distribution companies, we must quickly introduce technologies for the 4th industrial revolution, such as AI, Big Data, etc., and establish precise strategies to strengthen the capabilities of SMEs. Second, in terms of 'Benchmarking', the use of "Chamelezones" has been increasing to enhance the competitiveness of offline stores in line with recent ontact trends. Therefore, official distribution channels should also benchmark such cases, strengthening their competitiveness by utilizing offline spaces more efficiently and effectively. Third, in terms of 'Convergence', in line with the rapidly changing trend of the times, official distribution channels should also promote active partnerships with media commerce, e-commerce and ICT platforms, as well as cooperation with private retailers, and focus on creating synergy effects through them. Finally, from the perspective of 'Dedication', digitalization should be promoted step by step, finding the sector that can accelerate digital among the value chains of official distribution channels, and continuing to discuss how to digitize it realistically. Originality/value - Based on this analysis, we have presented strategies and implications for innovating official distribution channels for SMEs, which will contribute to enhancing the competitive advantage of official distribution channels in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.7
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• pp.161-167
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• 2021

Nowadays, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are placed among the key components of the economy in both developed and developing countries. They are internationally known as the driving force based on their enormous contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generating new employment. They are generally presumed as the leader of environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and innovation, particularly for the economy of developing countries such as Vietnam. However, SMEs have difficulty in raising capital, as well as access to credit. One of the reasons is that there are inadequacies in accounting information quality in SMEs as well as the provision of accounting information and accounting information confidentiality. The main objective of this study was to identify, evaluate, and measure the attributes of accounting information quality of SMEs in Hanoi. The study was based on a field survey using a semi-structured questionnaire on a sample of 150 accountants. The study has identified and measured six (6) attributes of accounting information quality of SMEs that have great effects on accountants. There is, statistically, no significant difference in the level of accounting information quality of SMEs in Hanoi from these different business areas. There is no, statistically, significant difference in the level of accounting information quality of SMEs in Hanoi between the mentioned three groups of the job description. Based on the findings, some recommendations are given for SMEs to improve accounting information quality.

• Fourth Industrial Review
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2022

Purpose - With the rapid development of information technology, the digital economy has become an important grip of the new development pattern, and the digital transformation of enterprises is a major trend. As SMEs are the mainstay of the economy and employment, it is important to study the digital transformation of SMEs to promote the development of the digital economy. Research design, data, and methodology - Based on a resource-based view, this report analyses the current situation and issues of digital transformation of SMEs from the perspective of digital orientation as well as the breadth and depth of technological capabilities of enterprises, using data from a survey of 200 manufacturing enterprises in China. Result - The results show that SMEs generally have a digital transformation mindset, but a weak digital foundation. In order to execute a digital strategy, companies need digital transformation capabilities. These behavioral capabilities are guided by the strategic direction of the business, and companies with strong capabilities are always trying to tap into the full digital potential. Conclusion - In order to effectively promote the digital transformation of SMEs, we suggest that SMEs pay attention to digital capability building, make good use of digital platforms and network resources, and lay a solid foundation for digital transformation; meanwhile, we suggest that government departments play a guiding and supporting role to build a cross-industry and cross-sector digital synergy system to help promote the development of SMEs' digital transformation. This paper presents some suggestions from both the internal and external environment of the enterprise, with the expectation of contributing to the digital transformation practices of SMEs.

• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.217-241
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• 2015

This paper, based on two engineering industry SME case studies, traces the origin and process of technological innovations enabling the development and introduction of new products leading to market expansion and enterprise growth. The study throws light on how entrepreneurs played a decisive role in recognizing market opportunities, building up crucial in-house technological capability, supplementing it with appropriate external assistance, to carry out technological innovations. A constant interaction with its customers is in-built into the system. As a result, the SMEs could achieve successful product innovations leading to their gradual growth, over time. Finally, based on the observations and inferences derived out of the two cases, a theoretical construct of the growth of innovation in SMEs is postulated. This is done linking the three stages of their development: (i) start-up and stabilizing, (ii) building up technological capability and implementing innovations; and (iii) opening up of new markets resulting in firm growth.

• Knowledge Management Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.55-75
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• 2011

Scant attention has been given to analyzing how knowledge sourcing strategies affect firm performance in SMEs and what are the differences between SMEs and large firms in the patterns of knowledge sourcing strategies adoption. This study attempts to advance the current literature by examining the impact of knowledge sourcing strategies on SMEs performance. The empirical segment of our work is based on data on knowledge sourcing strategies of SMEs and organizational performance from a sample of 166 Korean firms. Our results indicate knowledge sourcing adoption patterns of SMEs are different from large firms. In addition, the results confirm that substitutability between internal- and external-oriented, person- and external-oriented sourcing strategies. This study sheds new light on knowledge management (KM) research by identifying the relationship between knowledge sourcing strategies and SMEs performance.