Title: Technology support from cluster development initiatives to SMEs: a study of motor spare parts enterprises in Sri Lanka

Authors: S.W.S.B. Dasanayaka; G.D. Sardana; C. Silva

Addresses: Management of Technology Department, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka ' Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida, India ' Town and Country Planning Department, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Clusters identified as special type of agglomeration of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) activities in a specific geographical location with unique functional dimensions. Clusters give birth and legs to cluster development initiatives (CDIs), as a strategy to promote and stimulate the growth of the SME sector by breaking the vicious cycle of the SME through collaborative advantage between firms and other SME related key stakeholders. In Sri Lanka, some SME clusters are observed in ad-hoc manner in different industrial sectors and different locations without proper policy coordination. This case study attempts to explore the applicability of a CDI for the SME clusters through Panchikawatte motor spare parts cluster which plays an important role in the Sri Lankan automobile sector. The methodology employed in this study includes interviews with key stakeholders, structured questionnaire survey with Panchikawatte motor spare parts SME executives and supplemented with comprehensive literature survey. The methodology employed, and findings and policies recommended can be used as guides to similar types of studies in other parts of the world. It is an exploratory research.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; automotive SMEs; cluster development initiative; CDI; motor spare parts; business sustainability; Sri Lanka; technology support; SME clusters; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2015.071105

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2015 Vol.21 No.1/2/3, pp.55 - 71

Published online: 12 Aug 2015 *

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