Title: The dimension of innovation in SME networks – a case study on Cloud Computing and Web 2.0 technologies in a textile manufacturing network

Authors: Robert Moch; Andreas Merkel; Lars Günther; Egon Müller

Addresses: Department of Factory Planning and Factory Management, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany. ' Department of Factory Planning and Factory Management, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany. ' Department of Organisation Studies, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany. ' Department of Factory Planning and Factory Management, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany

Abstract: Cloud Computing and Web 2.0 technologies not only led to simplification of a variety of World Wide Web services but also contribute to a vast diversity of complex internet applications. The purpose of this paper is to find out: ‘How can an SME act and get information in an innovative environment of networked partners by using web technologies?’ This paper presents a case study designed with a combination of the research methods: expert interviews, data analyses and trans-disciplinary workshops including group discussion. The findings of this research base a theoretical description of the dimension of innovation of the investigated SME network. Different levels of innovation with diverse drivers and types of innovation are explored. Requirements, possibilities and obstacles for Cloud Computing and Web 2.0 technology implementations for this network are uncovered. These qualitative findings result in the development of concepts for innovative web applications regarding cooperation improvement and knowledge diffusion.

Keywords: cloud computing; Web 2.0; production networks; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; innovation research; enterprise networks; ICT; internet; cooperation improvement; knowledge diffusion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2011.043067

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2011 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.185 - 198

Received: 02 Nov 2010
Accepted: 05 Aug 2011
Published online: 13 Oct 2011 *

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