E-Transformation of Austrain SMEs: A Concept that Fits the Reality

Abstract

This chapter highlights the differences that exist between the e-commerce (EC) perspective of SMEs and the EC perspective from the researchers’ point of view. First the main aspects of SME EC found in a literature review are pointed out and then the results of a SME survey are presented. The findings of this survey, conducted with Austrian SMEs in the automotive industry sector, show for example that EC adoption is slower than expected. Consequently, we introduce a concept that was developed to minimize the identified gap between the two EC perspectives, by connecting university research and regional SME networks more efficiently. This action research-based approach enables SMEs to evaluate the impact of EC on their business model.