A comparison of manufacturing technology adoption in SMEs and large companies

Many manufacturing firms have adopted advanced manufacturing technologies to remain competitive when faced with rapid improvements in technology, globalisation of markets and environmental requirements. SMEs may be able to develop a sustainable competitive advantage from operations capabilities, but face various constraints including lack of resources and experience. To explore how well SMEs are adopting manufacturing technologies, this paper compares the past use, payoffs and expected future use by large firms and SMEs of a range of advanced manufacturing technologies and improvement programs as reported by manufacturing managers in a global survey. The analysis of data from 632 firms from both OECD and non-OECD countries indicates that in general, SMEs have used advanced technologies less than larger firms in the past and received a lower payoff. They also expect to use such these technologies less in the future.