Challenges of eCollaboration among SMEs

The challenges of eCollaboration for SMEs start with the decision to collaborate, and continues with the incorporation of enabling web technologies. This paper focuses on factors that influence eCollaboration by studying two collaborative groups, one in the toolmaking industry and one in the IT industry. Results indicate the need for an additional factor of independent facilitation and coordination, as well as a higher level of priority to be given to the time taken to build trust. Also, a team workspace to manage the process, alongside a web portal to manage the collaborative projects is recommended. The notion of SMEs collaborating with each other when previously they may have been competitors indicates a change in the way business is perceived.

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