A network of complementary SMEs for a global infrastructure for services: The example of environmental urban services

Abstract

High-technology SMEs have shown their capacity for creating and developing innovative services. Reduced size often confines them to vertical applications and limits possibilities for broader development. Network strategies are possible but may need a strong leader to ensure credibility. On the other hand, large operators cannot be proficient in all the necessary domains, particularly when applications move very fast. Therefore they very much need the diversity and the dynamics of SMEs to provide service packages within a global infrastructure. Bringing together different SME actors behind a telecom provider is a challenge displaying good promises if the links between the different services are correctly identified and modelled. © 2010 IFIP.