Government‐industry‐university collaboration on the successful implementation of CIM in SMEs: an empirical analysis

Abstract

For all small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the long‐term goal is to stay in business, grow and make profit. Especially in manufacturing SMEs must understand the dynamic changes. For SMEs to remain competitive, they must deliver products to customers at the minimum possible cost, the best possible quality, and the minimum lead time. SMEs can achieve this by implementing computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). The high investment required for CIM implementation is becoming a major hurdle for SMEs to cross. This is due to the lack of financial resources which has stalled the initiative in adopting CIM. Undoubtedly this has caused a decrease in rate of adoption of CIM in SMEs. With the triangular co‐operation of government‐industry‐university, CIM can successfully be implemented in SMEs. Considering the importance of government‐industry‐university co‐operation, a model has been developed with the help of an empirical study conducted in British SMEs to facilitate the adoption of a CIM. Finally, presemts a summary of findings and recommendations.