DYNAMIC SME

Sustainable competitiveness of SMEs in turbulent economic and social environments - a network approach

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposal aims at strengthening research partnerships through staff exchanges and networking activities between 2 European research organisations from Germany and Spain, and 2 research organisations from Argentina and Brazil. The scientific objective is to create a co-evolvement process towards a successful management model for SMEs that combines the European innovation and organizational learning model with Latin American survival strategies in turbulent economies (exemplified by Argentina and Brazil) based on learning networks and clusters. Both, in Europe and Latin America, SMEs are the most important sources of job creation and development in increasingly knowledge based economies. The economic environment in which SMEs operate, however, have differed significantly until recently. As the turbulence of the global economy is increasing European SMEs will have to learn to remain competitive in this new kind of economic environment. The answer lies in the development of “dynamic capabilities” of innovating, learning and knowledge management by SME networks. Following established theories and practices of organisational and social learning knowledge research activities are conceived as a joint learning and co-evolvement cycle in four phases Creating a joint vision,Learning from European approaches, Co-evolve SME model and practice in Argentina and Brazil,IHarvest and sustain. To achieve this objective a joint learning and co-evolvement process will be developed by four international research teams focusing on 1)Developing dynamic capabilities via SME networks and 2) via SME clusters , 3)Media tools for developing dynamic capabilities, 4) monitoring dynamic capability development The proposed project will create 4 major impacts:1. A new understanding of sustainable SME management in turbulent economies. 2.Improved innovation and learning capabilities of SMEs. 3.A lasting community of scholars. 4. Wide dissemination and leverage to key actors'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European and Latin American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are taking their own unique paths to remain competitive in an unstable global economy. An EU initiative aims to create a survival kit for SMEs in both regions.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Against the backdrop of the prevailing economic climate in Europe, SMEs are seeking ways to maintain their competitiveness. Similarly, SMEs in Latin America are struggling with economic instability of their own.

To shed light on how SMEs are coping with economic crises, the http://www.dynamic-sme.org (DYNAMIC SME) project is designing an innovative management model that integrates European innovation and organisational learning models with survival strategies in Argentina and Brazil. This will be achieved through learning networks and clusters.

Project partners have begun strengthening research partnerships through staff exchanges between research organisations in Germany and Spain and Argentina and Brazil. Latin American researchers were introduced to European SME management methods. Their European counterparts became acquainted with survival and competition approaches of Argentine and Brazilian SMEs. Networking activities are also underway, namely the establishment of a strategic collaboration between SME networks and clusters.

The seven-step methodology Learn to Grow was successfully implemented in Argentina and Brazil. The innovative German model is designed to help SMEs become more competitive. A workshop was held in 2013 to train Latin American facilitators in using the methodology.

A study looked at 25 Argentine SMEs that endured unstable economic conditions over the last 15 years. Findings have led to insight on the challenges faced and methods employed by SMEs during volatile times.

Project members have carried out a comprehensive review of knowledge management tools relevant to SME competitiveness. Short videos will be produced for selected tools such as business intelligence and internal communication.

As work continues toward the development of successful management practices, DYNAMIC SME efforts are aiming to make European and Latin American SMEs competitive despite their respective unfavourable economic climates.