<p>Information Technology (IT) plays a significant role in today business competition. A prominent role is that it helps a firm to manage relationships with customers effectively. Adoption of appropriate technology can lead the firm to greater business competency, improve its business performance, and ensure it retains its competitive advantages. While there is a rich body of literature on IT innovation adoption and implementation, research on the adoption of IT innovation that is specifically intended to perform relationship marketing functions is scant. The problem in this research is to address the lack of a research framework for examining the factors influencing the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. The existing adoption models are insufficient in properly explaining which factors are involved in the adoption decision and which factors are more important, and are especially insufficient with regard to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).</p><p>The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive research framework used for exploring the factors affecting the adoption of techno-relationship innovations and to apply this framework for empirically investigating the adoption of electronic Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) applications in manufacturing SMEs. This study proposes the term ‘techno-relationship innovation’ and defines it as a technology-related idea, process, method, product, or service that is intended to perform relationship marketing tasks and which is perceived as new to an individual or a firm. The developed research framework contains 20 potential determinant factors covering four contexts: individual, technological, organizational, and environmental.</p><p>This study was conducted through survey research and the sample was drawn by means of systematic sampling technique. The empirical data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires and the data analysis was based on 508 manufacturing SMEs in Thailand. The analysis was based on multivariate statistical techniques including t-test, factor analysis, deiscriminant analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding the adoption of eCRM applications by manufacturing SMEs.</p><p>The Key Influential Factors (KIF) model is proposed summarizing the conclusions of the study. It indicates what factors in what contexts should be given more or less attention. From 20 factors, the analysis indicates that 12 factors are important factors that should be given high priority. They are Compatibility, Industry Pressure, Customer Pressure, Subjective Norm, Attitude, External Support, Perceived Advantage, Observability, Perceived Relationship Marketing Functionality, Technological Expertise, Perceived Easiness, and Financial Resources. Five factors have the capability to discriminate between eCRM adopters and non-adopters but their discriminant powers are weak so they receive second priority. They are Competitive Pressure, Innovativeness, Business Experience, Governmental Encouragement, and Internet Experience. The other three factors appear insignificant but they should not be completely ignored when encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications. Thus, these three factors receive third priority. They are Size, Trialability, and Self-efficacy.</p><p>Furthermore, the eCRM adopters are classified into three groups: basic adopters, moderate adopters, and advanced adopters. The inference is that the basic eCRM adopters are uncertain whether eCRM applications are really needed for business success. In contrast, the moderate and advanced eCRM adopters require different attention which is related to maximizing the advantages of eCRM applications. This classification offers solid information for market segmentation purposes in the eCRM industry.</p><p>Study implications are acknowledged. A comprehensive research framework is proposed suggesting 20 potential determinant factors involved in examining the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. This research framework provides a tool to marketing researchers in conducting further research. Empirical investigation leads to the KIF model that offers guidance to government and private agencies in properly encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications and their relevant components among manufacturing SMEs. Moreover, the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research are provided.</p>

<p>The use of external providers for the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is expected to increase. At the end of the 1990s the concept of Application Service Provision (ASP) and Application Service Providers (ASPs) was introduced. This is described as one way for SMEs to provide themselves with software applications. However, it</p><p>can be stated that the concept has not taken off. This study examines what reasons influence the decision-making when deciding to use or not use ASP. The research question is: How do SMEs decide on using an Application Service Provider for the provision and maintenance of ICT? In order to answer the question decision-making processes in SMEs have been investigated in an interpretive case study. This study</p><p>consisted of mainly semi-structured interviews that were done with three different ASPs and customers related to them. It also consisted of a questionnaire to the customers of one of the service providers. The analysis was then made as a withincase analysis, consisting of detailed write-ups for each site. The interviews and a literature survey of the ASP concept and theories that have been used to explain the ASP decision-making process generated seven constructs. From the presented and discussed theories, models and proposed constructs seven propositions were formulated. These propositions were used for the analysis and presentation of the findings in the study. The main conclusion of the study is the disparate view of what affects the adoption or non-adoption of the ASP concept. The service providers express the decision as a wish from the prospective customer to decrease costs and increase the predictability of costs. The customers on the other hand express it as a wish to increase accessibility; the cost perspective is found to be secondary.</p>

An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand their businesses into foreign markets. Some SMEs begin to operate abroad soon after their establishment. These so-called born globals demonstrate a more rapid internationalisation compared with other SMEs. This thesis develops a deeper understanding of the internationalisation process of SMEs, by studying how born globals and other SMEs develop foreign market knowledge during the international expansion. The internationalisation process is divided into three phases; the pre-firm internationalisation phase, the initial internationalisation phase and the continued internationalisation phase. Based on a qualitative study of 14 biotech SMEs and a questionnaire survey of 188 SMEs from various industries, new insights on the internationalisation process of SMEs and born globals are presented. By extending the analysis of SMEs’ internationalisation to a phase prior to their establishment and by continuing to follow these firms during their operations in foreign markets, the findings of this thesis show how the knowledge and personal networks of key individuals relate to the firm’s development of foreign market knowledge. The thesis also advances the understanding of how an SME develops foreign market knowledge from its business network relationships. In summary, the result of this thesis shows that a rapid expansion in several foreign markets can hold back an SME’s development of foreign market knowledge and lead to difficulties in developing the firm’s operations in the continued internationalisation phase. / Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan, 2009. Sammanfattning jämte 6 uppsatser

Information Technology (IT) plays a significant role in today business competition. A prominent role is that it helps a firm to manage relationships with customers effectively. Adoption of appropriate technology can lead the firm to greater business competency, improve its business performance, and ensure it retains its competitive advantages. While there is a rich body of literature on IT innovation adoption and implementation, research on the adoption of IT innovation that is specifically intended to perform relationship marketing functions is scant. The problem in this research is to address the lack of a research framework for examining the factors influencing the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. The existing adoption models are insufficient in properly explaining which factors are involved in the adoption decision and which factors are more important, and are especially insufficient with regard to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive research framework used for exploring the factors affecting the adoption of techno-relationship innovations and to apply this framework for empirically investigating the adoption of electronic Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) applications in manufacturing SMEs. This study proposes the term ‘techno-relationship innovation’ and defines it as a technology-related idea, process, method, product, or service that is intended to perform relationship marketing tasks and which is perceived as new to an individual or a firm. The developed research framework contains 20 potential determinant factors covering four contexts: individual, technological, organizational, and environmental. This study was conducted through survey research and the sample was drawn by means of systematic sampling technique. The empirical data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires and the data analysis was based on 508 manufacturing SMEs in Thailand. The analysis was based on multivariate statistical techniques including t-test, factor analysis, deiscriminant analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding the adoption of eCRM applications by manufacturing SMEs. The Key Influential Factors (KIF) model is proposed summarizing the conclusions of the study. It indicates what factors in what contexts should be given more or less attention. From 20 factors, the analysis indicates that 12 factors are important factors that should be given high priority. They are Compatibility, Industry Pressure, Customer Pressure, Subjective Norm, Attitude, External Support, Perceived Advantage, Observability, Perceived Relationship Marketing Functionality, Technological Expertise, Perceived Easiness, and Financial Resources. Five factors have the capability to discriminate between eCRM adopters and non-adopters but their discriminant powers are weak so they receive second priority. They are Competitive Pressure, Innovativeness, Business Experience, Governmental Encouragement, and Internet Experience. The other three factors appear insignificant but they should not be completely ignored when encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications. Thus, these three factors receive third priority. They are Size, Trialability, and Self-efficacy. Furthermore, the eCRM adopters are classified into three groups: basic adopters, moderate adopters, and advanced adopters. The inference is that the basic eCRM adopters are uncertain whether eCRM applications are really needed for business success. In contrast, the moderate and advanced eCRM adopters require different attention which is related to maximizing the advantages of eCRM applications. This classification offers solid information for market segmentation purposes in the eCRM industry. Study implications are acknowledged. A comprehensive research framework is proposed suggesting 20 potential determinant factors involved in examining the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. This research framework provides a tool to marketing researchers in conducting further research. Empirical investigation leads to the KIF model that offers guidance to government and private agencies in properly encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications and their relevant components among manufacturing SMEs. Moreover, the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research are provided.

Superata la fase pionieristica, il dibattito sulla Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ha posto al centro la relazione tra CSR e competitività delle imprese. Il problema ha interessato innanzitutto le grandi imprese, ma, da qualche tempo, maggiore attenzione viene riservata alle PMI e al possibile ruolo della CSR nella creazione di vantaggio competitivo. Oggetto dell'attuale dibattito accademico, economico e politico sono, da un lato, i possibili sentieri di miglioramento dell'impegno socio-ambientale delle PMI e, dall'altro, le possibili alternative strategiche di valorizzazione della CSR in chiave competitiva. In questo contesto di grande attenzione attorno al tema CSR e PMI , si inseriscono i due progetti di ricerca presentati in questo scritto: uno, di natura quantitativa, ha per oggetto 828 PMI appartenenti ai 16 Distretti Industriali Lombardi ed ha l'obiettivo di comprendere se, e secondo quali modalità, l'appartenenza ad un distretto possa influire sulla propensione un'impresa ad adottare comportamenti socialmente responsabili; l'altro, di natura qualitativa, si propone di indagare, attraverso l'analisi di 12 casi, il possibile ruolo della CSR nella creazione di un vantaggio di differenziazione. / After the pioneer phase, the debate on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been focused on the relationship between CSR and firms' competitiveness. At the beginning, the problem mainly concerned large companies, but, later, greater attention has been paid to SMEs and to the possible role of CSR in the creation of competitive advantage. Under current academic, economic and political debate are, from one side, the possible paths to improve the socio-environmental commitment of SMEs and, from the other, the strategic choices for the competitive development of CSR practices. In this context of strong attention to the topic CSR and SMEs , the two research project presented in this work are positioned: the first one is a survey on 828 SMEs, belonging to the 16 Industrial District of Lombardy, and is claimed to understand if and how the belonging to the district can influence the firms' orientation to CSR; the second is a qualitative study on 12 SMEs and it is aimed to investigate the potential role of CSR in the creation of differentiation advantage.

過去臺灣對中小企業的輔導以製造業、出口業為主，但隨著服務業所佔比例提高，輔導措施也漸擴展，並逐漸以發展在地化特色為重心，希望各地都能以此提升經濟發展、增加就業率。經濟部中小企業處在地特色的輔導始於1989年，並於2002年以一鄉鎮一特產為目標、2009年轉以地方產業發展基金的模式運作。本文以地產基金為輔導個案，並以政策執行角度出發，以個別深度訪談法為主軸，針對專案辦公室、不同類型的地方政府、實際參與輔導工作的輔導團隊、以及接受輔導及未接受輔導的中小企業主進行訪談，透過不同互動參與者的實際經驗，將地產基金的執行過程加以描繪，同時也了解規劃、制度與執行之間的落差，以彌補過去文獻欠缺整體計畫角度的探討、並補強政策執行的運作過程，以期能提供實務的運作建議。 本文以經費及預算額度、規劃內容、在地資源的內容與多寡、執行者的價值觀等要素間關係作為研究架構。經本文發現，從OTOP轉為地產基金時將地方政府的角色納入，有效發揮地方政府所長並減少資源重複投入，但易發生雙頭馬車及執行方案的衝突；而地方政府及輔導團隊的角色更主動，如行銷、計畫後提供媒合等協助，但有商家類型上的限制；基金在運作上採用層層對口的模式，具明確溝通管道，但也造成中層的地方政府行政負擔大；最後規劃時各角色的需求不同，也會導致執行成效有落差。以上這些發現與問題，透過制度性的設計，都可望得到解決，將使未來地方產業的輔導政策更為完善。 搭配以上研究建議，本文也對應提出實務建議，並認為加強地方政府人員專業訓練、加強計畫願景、加強輔導團隊篩選機制、定期舉辦相關活動以做搭配等方式應可以使執行的過程更為順暢；同時，本文也認為後續可以針對規劃與執行落差、行銷及評估議題、電子化對執行過程產生的影響、比較地方政府自行執行基金的案例等角度切入研究，以俾能將政策執行前後的過程及地產基金的運作更為深入了解。

Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to build a practical guide to get a clear understanding about the implementation process of Customer Relationship Management in the cloud within Small. It also describes the different concepts that are Customer Relationship Management, Cloud computing and CRM in the cloud, especially related to the SMEs, in order to have a great insight that gives the opportunity to implement successfully this paradigm.   Scientific method: The research lies in the interpretative field of inquiry. Abduction is used to combine empirical data with theoretical studies in orderto tryto investigate patterns that could give an understanding of the phenomena that is studied. Descriptive research approach using multiple-case study design is used.   Theoretical frame of references: The first part of the theoretical frame of references explores existing theories. This leads to CRM and Cloud Computing. The second part explores different means of analysing our problematic.   Empirical method: The chosen approach is qualitative. Interviews have been conducted for data collection. Documentsarehave beengathered and analysed to support the interviewguides. We also gathered a previous practical guide from Salesforce in order to compare our results.   Analysis: Analysing hosted CRM implementation of three SMEs using Salesforce, it describes the key facts that have to be taken into account to implement the Salesforce CRM solution.   Conclusion: The findings show how three companies can be analysed to draw conclusions about the implementation process. According to interviews, theories, documents from hosted CRM provider, some suggestions have been advised to avoid problems concerning the implementation in SMEs.

Different scandals around the globe during the past, in specific during the last decade, have intrigued the stakeholders to question the roles of both auditors and management. But most of the fingers since then have been raised on the role of auditors, because it is the auditors who are entrusted with the responsibility to detect any errors or frauds in the financial reports of the client-firm. Apart from this, the long-term auditor client relationship has been the center of attention in most of the discussions and debates as well. Numerous studies have been conducted by the academic researchers, financial and professional analysts, regulatory authorities and governing bodies, and in some cases by the auditors and the firms as well regarding the effects of long-term auditor-client relationship on audit quality, equity risk premium, financial reports quality, audit pricing etc. These studies provide us with different results, both with the positive and negative associations and effects of long-term auditor-client relationship on the basis of different factors and contexts. For long, auditing has been discussed in different studies and research areas but mostly in association with publicly listed companies. Less attention has been paid to the relationship of auditors and clients as far as clients in SMEs are concerned. In any country around the globe, SMEs are of major contribution in terms of backing the economy, giving it both the boost and the stability, as they collectively form the major chunk of the economy. If we specify our study to the SMEs in Sweden, then 99% of the enterprises in Sweden represent the SME sector; in addition they employ around 60% of the manpower. Based on these facts, and due to less attention given to auditor-client relationship in terms of SMEs, instead of; we have directed our concerns towards the study of effects of auditor-client relationship on audit quality in SMEs in this particular research study. In this study, we have opted for qualitative research with semi-structured interviews to be used as the tool for data collection. Interviews were conducted with two different groups of interviewees, one group representing the auditors and the other group representing the client-firms (SMEs). A total of seven interviews were conducted in order to strengthen and validate the results for our research question. Due to the limitations of this study, mostly in terms of cost and time, samples were selected from Umeå, Sweden. The data interview structure, data analysis and discussion, and conclusions were all made based on existing theories summarized in the theoretical review of this study. The results of this study suggests that (1) long-term audit tenure is beneficial for the audit quality if certain risk factors like risk of auditor independence and risk of developing complacency are controlled; and (2) factors such as NAS, industry specialization, knowledge and experience of the auditor, internal control in the client-firm, professional ethics, proper audit plan, providence of unbiased information by the client, and appointment of the auditor by the client-firm itself enhances the audit quality.

全球經濟穩定成長帶動企業國際化，並對中國企業對外發展提供強烈支持，而國際企業的型態也隨著貿易障礙下降而不斷演變成各式樣貌，企業逐漸改變傳統早期的漸進式國際化發展階段，而演變為自企業創立之初即具備全球化經營能力的天生全球化企業(Born Globals)，這股新興國際企業型態在開發中國家的形成過程，對國際企業理論與學術研究而言是重要且值得探討的議題。 過去研究對於天生全球化企業的定義目前未有一致之認知，且對其形成因素也有多種不同看法，然而相對於大多數學者專注的已開發國家天生全球化企業發展過程，本研究則是以開發中國家之中小企業作為主要研究對象，並期望透過探討中國中小企業是否存在部分可能變數，來瞭解其企業內外部可能影響企業發展為天生全球化企業之因素。 本文透過文獻探討歸納出研發能力、產品品質、經營能力與電子商務參與程度等四變數為天生全球化企業之可能形成原因，並蒐集128家中小企業作為研究對象，以邏輯迴歸作為研究方法，分析此四變數對於企業在發展成天生全球化企業的過程中是否會產生影響，以釐清天生全球化企業在開發中國家的發展過程。 研究結果顯示，擁有較好研發能力與經營能力的企業較有機會發展成天生全球化企業，且企業愈快加入電子商務市場，愈有助於企業早期國際化發展，本文期望藉由此驗證結果提供開發中國家中小企業在發展天生全球化企業時一些參考與建議。 / International enterprises has evolved to different types as the global environment changed. From 1990s, some enterprises begin their overseas business right at birth or near the founding year, which is quite different to traditional enterprises, and we call these enterprises as Born Globals. Why Born Globals can start their international business at the time they just established still not come to a conclusion today. Therefore this paper is trying to figure out the possible factors which encourage the enterprises, especially the small and medium enterprises in China, to develop the early abroad business. This study generated four possible factors of R&D, managerial competence, product quality and e-commerce adoption to analyze the possibility of Born Globals. And I collected 128 sample firms to exam my hypotheses. The final results showed that there are positive effectiveness between R&D, managerial competence and Born Globals, and the fast speed of e-commerce market adoption also advance firms becoming Born Globals. However, product quality did not show benefit to Born Globals in the results.

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να εξετάσει τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν την καινοτόμο δραστηριότητα των μικρομεσαίων επιχειρήσεων στις απομακρυσμένες αγροτικές περιοχές της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης θέτοντας ερευνητικά ερωτήματα που σχετίζονται με την ανάπτυξη και υποστήριξη της καινοτομίας στην περιφέρεια. Για την πραγματοποίηση της έρευνας επιλέχθηκαν δώδεκα περιοχές μελέτης που βρίσκονται σε έξι χώρες της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Σε κάθε μια από τις έξι χώρες που συμμετείχαν στην έρευνα, επιλέχθηκε μια περιοχή με σχετικά καλή οικονομική απόδοση λαμβανομένου υπόψη του μειονεκτήματος λόγω της απομακρυσμένης της θέσης (περιοχή Α), και μια περιοχή σχετικά προσβάσιμη (περιοχή Β) με οικονομική απόδοση αντίστοιχη με αυτή της περιοχής Α. Οι περιοχές είναι οι εξής: Shetland (Α) και East Ayrshire (Β) στη Σκωτία, Keski- Suomi (Α) και Satakunta (Β) στη Φινλανδία, L’Alcoià (Α) και Camp de Morvedre (Β) στην Ισπανία, Rottal-Inn (Α) και Bitburg-Prüm (Β) στη Γερμανία, Ευρυτανία (Α) και Καλάβρυτα (Β) στην Ελλάδα και Midwest Clare (Α) και Southeast Wexford (Β) στην Ιρλανδία. Τα δεδομένα προήλθαν από 600 συνολικά επιχειρήσεις (50 από κάθε περιοχή) και συλλέχθηκαν με τη βοήθεια ερωτηματολογίων και μέσω προσωπικών συνεντεύξεων στα πλαίσια ενός ερευνητικού προγράμματος χρηματοδοτούμενου από την Ε.Ε. (AsPIRE: Aspatial Peripherality, Innovation and the Rural Economy). Η διδακτορική διατριβή είναι χωρισμένη σε τρία μέρη. Στο πρώτο μέρος δίνεται καταρχήν ο ορισμός της καινοτομίας και πραγματοποιείται μια ανασκόπηση της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας για την καινοτομία και την κατανομή της στο χώρο. Στη συνέχεια αποτυπώνεται η επιρροή του χωρικού, τοπικού και μη τοπικού, περιβάλλοντος μιας επιχείρησης στην καινοτόμο δραστηριότητά της. Γίνεται η υπόθεση ότι η πρόσβαση των επιχειρήσεων σε μη- τοπικά περιβάλλοντα καθορίζει την πιθανότητα να εισάγουν οι επιχειρήσεις καινοτομία και ελέγχει το ποσοστό της συνολικής καινοτόμου δραστηριότητας μιας περιοχής. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι η καινοτόμος δραστηριότητα των επιχειρήσεων επηρεάζεται από παράγοντες που σχετίζονται με το άνοιγμα των τοπικών συστημάτων παραγωγής σε μη τοπικούς κόσμους. Τα δίκτυα επιχειρήσεων, το συσσωρευμένο επιχειρηματικό και ανθρώπινο κεφάλαιο, η γνώση και η εμπειρία που αποκτήθηκαν σε μη τοπικό επίπεδο, καθώς και η υπάρχουσα τοπική επιχειρηματική ιστορία ενισχύουν την ικανότητα των επιχειρήσεων να καινοτομούν και διευρύνουν την ικανότητα μάθησής τους. Το δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής εξετάζει την επίδραση της χωροθέτησης των επιχειρήσεων στην καινοτόμο δραστηριότητά τους, τόσο σε μικρο- όσο και σε μακρο- επίπεδο. Στο μικροοικονομικό επίπεδο συνάγεται ότι η πιθανότητα εισαγωγής καινοτομίας είναι καλά προβλεπόμενη από παρατηρήσιμα επιχειρηματικά χαρακτηριστικά. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι οι πιο προσβάσιμες περιοχές παρουσιάζουν υψηλότερα ποσοστά καινοτόμου δραστηριότητας σε σχέση με τις λιγότερο προσβάσιμες. Στη συνέχεια η διαφορά στα ποσοστά καινοτόμου δραστηριότητας ανάμεσα στις περισσότερο και λιγότερο προσβάσιμες περιοχές αποδομείται σε εκείνη που οφείλεται σε παρατηρήσιμους και σε εκείνη που οφείλεται σε μη παρατηρήσιμους παράγοντες. Συμπεραίνεται ότι το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της διαφοράς των πιθανοτήτων να παρουσιάσει μία εταιρεία καινοτόμο δραστηριότητα αποδίδεται σε μη παρατηρήσιμους παράγοντες αποκαλύπτοντας έτσι την σοβαρή επίδραση του τοπικού περιβάλλοντος (όπως αυτό συλλαμβάνεται από την επίπτωση των μη-παρατηρήσιμων παραγόντων) στη καινοτομία. Κατά συνέπεια τα συμπεράσματα προτείνουν να είναι η πολιτική καινοτομίας για τις ΜΜΕ εξειδικευμένη στα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά κάθε περιοχής και να στοχεύει στην ικανοποίηση των ιδιαίτερων αναγκών των επιχειρήσεων και στη διατήρηση και βελτίωση του τοπικού περιβάλλοντος καινοτομίας. Σε μακροοικονομικό επίπεδο γίνεται μια προσπάθεια καταγραφής κάποιων παραγόντων που ευθύνονται για την «Αχωρική Περιφερειακότητα». Αποδεικνύεται ότι η συμβατική περιφερειακότητα (μετρούμενη σε όρους προσβασιμότητας) δεν μπορεί από μόνη της να εξηγήσει τις παρατηρημένες μορφές απόστασης και την οικονομική ανάπτυξη. Ταυτόχρονα, υπάρχει ένας σημαντικός αριθμός απομακρυσμένων και σχετικά μη προσβάσιμων περιοχών που ξεπερνούν τα αναμενόμενα επίπεδα οικονομικής ανάπτυξης, καθώς και ένας επίσης σημαντικός αριθμός περισσότερο προσβάσιμων περιοχών που παρουσιάζουν αρκετά μικρότερα από τα αναμενόμενα επίπεδα οικονομικής ανάπτυξης. Αποδεικνύεται ότι οι παράγοντες της αχωρικής περιφερειακότητας είναι εκείνοι που ευθύνονται για την απόκλιση των περιφερειών από τη συμβατική σχέση τοποθεσίας και επιπέδου ανάπτυξης. Τέτοιοι παράγοντες είναι για παράδειγμα η λειτουργία χωρικά οριζόντιων και κάθετων επιχειρηματικών δικτύων. Τέλος, το τρίτο μέρος της διατριβής ασχολείται με την επίδραση της καινοτομίας στην απόδοση των επιχειρήσεων και πιο συγκεκριμένα με την επίδραση της καινοτομίας προϊόντος στις επενδύσεις σε πάγια περιουσιακά στοιχεία. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι η εισαγωγή καινοτομίας προϊόντος μειώνει την πιθανότητα πραγματοποίησης επενδύσεων σε πάγια περιουσιακά στοιχεία. Ένα άλλο συμπέρασμα είναι ότι το μέγεθος της επιχείρησης ασκεί μια ιδιαίτερα σύνθετη επίδραση στην πιθανότητα πραγματοποίησης επενδύσεων. Η επίδραση αυτή αποτελείται από δυο συνθετικά μέρη, μια μορφής ανεστραμμένου U άμεση επίδραση του μεγέθους της επιχείρησης στην πιθανότητα για πραγματοποίηση επενδύσεων και μια έμμεση γραμμική επίδραση του μεγέθους στην πιθανότητα εισαγωγής καινοτομίας. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν επίσης ότι το χάσμα στην πιθανότητα πραγματοποίησης επενδύσεων μεταξύ καινοτόμων και μη καινοτόμων επιχειρήσεων αυξάνεται με την αύξηση του μεγέθους. / The aim of this PhD Thesis is to examine the factors that influence the innovative activity of SMEs in peripheral and less favored areas of the European Union by posing research questions that relate to the development and support of innovation in this type of areas. In the framework of this research, survey data collected in twelve case study regions in six EU member states was used. Within each of the six participating member states, one region (Region A) was selected as a relatively peripheral region, perceived to be performing relatively well economically (given its locational disadvantages), and a second one (Region B) was selected as an example of a relatively accessible region with a perceived performance similar to that of Region A. These areas were Shetland (Α) and East Ayrshire (Β) in Scotland, Keski- Suomi (Α) and Satakunta (Β) in Finland, L’Alcoià (Α) and Camp de Morvedre (Β) in Spain, Rottal-Inn (Α) and Bitburg-Prüm (Β) in Germany, Evrytania (Α) and Kalavryta (Β) in Greece and Midwest Clare (Α) and Southeast Wexford (Β) in Ireland.This data was collected from 600 businesses (50 in each case study area) during 2003 for the EU Fifth Framework research project entitled “Aspatial Peripherality, Innovation and the Rural Economy” (AsPIRE). Data was collected through personal interviews with the firm’s owner or manager and with the use of questionnaires. The PhD Thesis is divided into three parts. In the first part there is a literature review on the definition of innovation and the dissemination of innovation through space. In a second step it is hypothesized that firms’ access to the non-local domain determines the probability to innovate and controls the rate of an area’s overall innovative activity. Results reveal that firms’ innovative activity is influenced by factors opening local production systems to the non-local world. Business networks, accumulated entrepreneurial human capital, knowledge and experience acquired non-locally and the embedded local business history enrich firms’ innovative capacities and shape the learning capacity of firms and localities. When local economic systems operate under national systems that are prone to innovation, these factors account less for the probability that a firm will innovate and vice versa. The second part of the thesis examines the effect of the peripheral location of firms on their innovativeness. It is concluded that the probability to innovate is well predicted by observable firm, entrepreneurial and business network characteristics. Results show that more accessible areas consistently present higher activity rates than their peripheral counterparts. The difference in innovation activity rates between peripheral and central areas is then decomposed into observable and non-observable factors. It arises that the whole innovation gap is attributed to non-observable factors constituting a combination of ‘behavior and environment’. Innovation policy for SMEs should thus aim at meeting businesses’ specific needs (firm-specific factors) and at sustaining and improving the innovation environment. Finally, the third part of this Thesis explores the relationship between product innovation and investments in fixed capital assets. Results show that the presence of product innovation reduces the probability to invest. Another result is that a firm’s size exerts a rather complicated effect on the probability to invest. This effect consists of a direct, inverted U-shape component of firm’s size on the probability to invest and an indirect component through the size’s linear effect on the probability to innovate. The gap in the probability to invest between innovative and non-innovative firms increases with size.