The rise and fall of 'Supernet': a case study of technology transfer policy for smaller firms

被引:23
作者
Bessant, J [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Brighton, Ctr Res Innovat Management, Brighton BN2 4AT, E Sussex, England
关键词
technology transfer policy; small-sized enterprises; medium-sized enterprises; Supernet;
D O I
10.1016/S0048-7333(99)00002-5
中图分类号
C93 [管理学];
学科分类号
12 ; 1201 ; 1202 ; 120202 ;
摘要
A dominant theme in innovation policy throughout the world has been the support of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although policy-making has been evolving away from simplistic and 'universal' measures addressing all SMEs towards more targeted approaches, there is still a lack of knowledge about the nature and extent of SME support needs and the mechanisms for delivering it effectively. The result is that the policy environment is characterised by a wide range of experimentation; this paper reports on one such experiment-Supernet-aimed at improving the access of SMEs to major centres of technological excellence in the UK. During its two and a half years of operation Supernet largely succeeded in establishing a mechanism through which SMEs could access the extensive technology base of the UK. Its limitations were less in execution (indeed, overall management of the operation was generally well-regarded) than in positioning. As a stand-alone venture it was probably too specialised a service for the needs of many SMEs (although valuable for a few) but as part of a broad spectrum of innovation support it filled an important niche, complementing other, more locally oriented types of provision, particularly those being developed by the 'Business Links' network. The paper reviews the history of Supernet and explores some of the issues that its implementation raises for innovation policy. In particular, it argues that there is a need for some form of managed network enabling access for SMEs to the technology infrastructure within a national system of innovation. It concludes with some thoughts on the design and operation of such a network based on lessons offered by the Supernet experience. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
引用
收藏
页码:601 / 614
页数:14
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