SMEs embrace the technology challenge

摘要

Across the major business sectors, manufacturing is a key driver of innovation and technology uptake in the UK, and yet on average we still invest less in capital equipment than our competitors overseas. With a few exceptions, spend is also less for R&D and technology. For larger players, the adoption and implementation of technology is a difficult enough challenge. But how do SMEs who have limited budgets, no R&D department or personnel responsible for ensuring they are utilising the latest technology, compete on a global level? SMEs are notoriously prudent and when it comes to technology, they cannot afford to make mistakes or experiment. As such, they can end up lagging behind big players and missing out on leading-edge software, hardware and management systems which may be capable of transforming their business.