Web 2.0 in SME networks - A design science approach considering multi-perspective Requirements

Abstract

As small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) face new challenges in a complex and dynamic competitive environment, they need to cooperate due to their restricted resources and limited capacities. At this, Enterprise 2.0 is seen as a supporting approach. To this date, there is a lack of academic publications concerning recommen dations for the application of Web 2.0 artifacts in SME-networks. This paper aims at bridging this gap by su ggesting a conceptual base following the design science approach. Based on tech ni cal and organizational requirements resulting from exploratory interviews with re presen tatives of SMEs participating in a regional SME-network, we transfer the requirements in a prototypic concept. This developed artifact provides a basis for a field test to evaluate the concept and for further research. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.