Importance and Use of Information Technology in Small and Medium-Sized Companies

Abstract

The following paper presents results from a longitudinal study about the importance and use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Swiss small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). In an empirical survey, 989 questionnaires were collected and analysed (return rate 17 %). The results were weighted according to company size and industry sector and are representative for Switzerland. The findings show that Swiss SMEs ? in their self assessment ? manage to gain (competitive) advantages from the deployment of information and communication technology. ICT is universally used (even) in (small and medium-sized) companies. There is a high degree of inter-organisational ICT use. ICT know-how and awareness are strongly rooted in management. The general conclusion is that IT matters for Swiss SMEs.