Web Initiatives & E-Commerce Strategy: How Do Canadian Manufacturing SMEs Compare?

Abstract

Two important forces are at work today in the Canadian and global economies. First is the traditional force of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Statistics Canada reports SMEs account for more than 60% of Canada’s private sector employment and 40% of gross domestic product. Second, Information Technology (IT) and the Internet continue to change the way businesses and individuals work, shop, and/or relax. In particular, the Internet and Electronic Commerce (EC) are heralded as a great opportunity for business, consumers, and governments. The impact on SMEs is somewhat uncertain and still emerging. Some argue the Internet levels the playing field, giving smaller firms greater opportunity to compete against larger firms. Others argue that, since SMEs generally have fewer resources available for IT or other initiatives, they could be left behind. In addition, because of their size, SMEs have minimal control or influence over such external forces.