Enhancements in performance through virtual collaboration among SMEs potentials, needs, and research challenges

Abstract

To compete and to thrive in the current global markets it is imperative for the regional businesses to form sustainable collaborative networks. Further, virtual inter-organisational collaboration not only requires changes in the organisational structure but also the increase the dependence on readily available information. The efficiency and effectiveness of this information depends on suitable collaboration tools; especially on the ICT infrastructure as well a trust and cultural understanding between collaborating partners. Especially for SMEs the ability for efficient networked collaboration is of key importance. At the moment, there are no affordable and customizable ERP tools for such a networked collaboration among SMEs. This article presents a research approach focusing on the relevant challenges for the development and introduction of a collaboration tool based upon open source capabilities with industry specific ERP functionalities.