Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Banji
Author-Email: oyeyinka@intech.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies
Author-Name: Lal, Kaushalesh
Author-Email: lal@intech.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies
Title: Learning New Technologies by SMEs in Developing Countries
Abstract: This paper, based on new field data, examines the ways in which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in
	 selected developing countries learn to use and augment their core capabilities with new technologies. This
	 paper presents three findings. First, there is clear evidence of increasing complexity in the adoption and
	 use of ICTs among developing country firms. Second, climbing the technological ladder requires skills
	 upgrading through explicit learning of the new technologies. Third, firm performance is highly associated
	 with learning capabilities, levels of technology, and a host of firm-level knowledge, skills and
	 experience. The study found that across countries and sectors, non-formal learning is the dominant form of
	 mastering new technologies. However, formal local and overseas training are positively associated with
	 increasing technological complexity. There is also a close correlation between technical complexity of
	 firms' internal ICT tools and available telecommunication infrastructure.
Keywords: Learning, new technologies, SMEs, developing countries, ICTs
Series: Discussion Paper
Creation-Date: 2004
Number: 09
File-URL: http://www.intech.unu.edu/publications/discussion-papers/2004-9.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 137 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unuint:200409