Appropriation of Intellectual Property: A Multiple Cross-Case Analysis of SME Practices in Technology-intensive Industries

Intellectual property (IP) is critical to the development of competitive advantage. Anecdotal evidence and the literature suggest that SMEs find it difficult to appropriate their IP, due to high legal costs. This study examines the key determinants of IP appropriation strategy in technology- intensive SMEs. We examine the relationships between the factors that facilitate IP appropriation and innovation performance with a qualitative analysis of five case studies in the biotechnology and ICT industries. The results reveal that SMEs in both sectors rely on organizational resources, specific IP acquisition practices and various IP protection practices to facilitate IP appropriation

Process improvement and ICTs in Australian SMEs: a selection and implementation framework

This article describes the development, modification and testing of a tool designed to assist small firms in making more appropriate decisions regarding information and communication technology (ICT) selection and implementation. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, a number of possible tools were initially developed to support firm-based self-diagnostic exercises. Research outcomes from a joint European–Australian research project were regionalised for Australian conditions through collaborative product development with a number of Australian SME manufacturing firms. This article reports on the pilot implementations and the outcomes achieved with these Australian SMEs. These implementations have shown successful outcomes for the trial SME participants and have led to the creation of an online self-assessment tool to allow wider access by interested SME

Best predictors of high performance quality organisations: evidence from Australia and New Zealand

This paper is based on a doctoral research study which analysed a large data base consisting of 962 responses from Australian manufacturing firms and 379 responses from New Zealand manufacturing firms. Multiple discriminant analysis was used to explore the differences between manufacturing firms grouped according to their level of organisational performance. The study concluded that high performing organisations focus on the * softer' quality practices such as breaking down barriers between departments and continuous improvement, while low performing organisations tended to focus on the 'harder' quality practices such as ISO 9000 certification, and benchmarking