Long-term analysis of technologically focused smaller manufacturing enterprises

This study examines the operations of technologically focused SMEs over the past 20 years. A panel of SMEs was studied in 1975, 1985, and again in 1995 to determine (1) whether or non-technologically focused SMEs changed over time and (2) if it was possible to identify the differences between those SMEs that perceived themselves to be technologically focused and those that did not. The panel consisted of over 800 SMEs operating in a single Midwestern State business climate. In 1975 the panel generated almost 500 responses to a research instrument that had been designed in a two-stage process. In the first stage, 23 case studies were developed to generate a conceptual and theoretical understanding of SMEs' operations. The results of the case studies and available theory were used to design a mail questionnaire that was mailed to the original panel. The study suggests that technologically focused SMEs have changed significantly over the 20-year period from 1975 to 1995. Over this period of time, they have responded to the business conditions and competition around them, but have also changed how they view their own internal planning and operation needs.