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

Abstract

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‐organizational ICT use. ICT know‐how and awareness are strongly rooted in management. The general conclusion is that IT matters for Swiss SMEs. Keywords: empirical studySMEICT useICT strategySwitzerland