The paper investigates SMEs' responses to the challenges posed by the new economy, i.e. the joint action of the increasing globalisation and the diffusion of ICTs. Indeed, while on the one hand the new economy may weaken the traditional obstacles to the transformation of SMEs into global players, on the other, it may also confront SMEs with new obstacles and threats.
The present paper provides empirical evidence on these issues by analysing the behaviour of 277 SMEs located in two of the largest Italian industrial districts. The empirical findings (i) show the existence of differentiated behavioural patterns in approaching ICTs and e-business applications; (ii) suggest that, at the firm level, the attitude towards ICTs and e-business reflects the company strategy in facing global competition.
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