Government Sponsored Online Platforms for SMEs

Fearing a growing digital divide between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large companies, some governments have tried to encourage SME participation in e-commerce by sponsoring regional Internet platforms for them. These initiatives are predicated on the belief that online platforms provide a low-cost introduction to e-commerce, while at the same time delivering benefits to SMEs. However, very little academic literature exists on how to assess the success, or evaluate the benefits, of these platforms. This study looks at three such platforms in Western Australia. It synthesises existing theoretical perspectives in related areas to develop a framework to identify critical success factors for these platforms, and the benefits that may be derived from them. Although the findings are based on the Western Australian experience, they have a much broader application and are relevant to such platforms everywhere. This study is essential reading for those interested in the subject or involved in government-sponsored regional Internet trading platforms for SMEs, and is particularly useful for university academics, research students and those engaged in regional economic planning.