Over the past few years, there has been increasing interest in the potential uses of Information and Communication technologies for learning in Small and Medium Enterprises. This focus stems from the realisation of the importance of SMEs in sustainable economic development and in the development of regional economies. At the same time, the increasing importance of information and knowledge in the production process and in stimulating innovation has pointed to the importance of continuing education and learning for SMEs. However, most research and surveys have shown that SMEs have only a limited capacity and participation in continuing education and training. Furthermore, the limited available research suggests SMEs are slow to implement new computer based technologies.

In 2002, a number of new initiatives were launched to investigate further both the present situation with relation to the use of Information and Communication technologies for learning in SMEs and the potential of future use. This web site provides access to three initiatives. The first was a pilot study, undertaken by the Cedefop ICT network (CiRN). The second was a series of two European seminars, organised by north Wales based research and development organisation, Knownet, with sponsorship from the EU Directorate General Education and Culture. The third is an ongoing, three year EU sponsored Leonardo da Vinci research project, ICT and SMEs. Coordinated by Knownet, the project has participants in six European countries.

The smelearning site is intended primarily to host the research reports, case studies, policy interviews and continuing research discussions of participants in the ICT&SMEs project. It should also prove useful to anyone interested in research into learning technologies for SMEs in europe.

Joining the smelearning site is easy: just fill in the form here. You will be asked for a valid email address, and your initial password will be sent to that address.

The smelearning site contains a repository of literature reviews by project partners, as well as the research reports, case studies, and policy interviews conducted by partners as part of their research into learning technologies in SMEs. It will also be hosting more and more online discussions and knowledge-development exercises of potential interest to other researchers, policy makers or educators.

You can find in-depth research reports on ICT in SMEs on the smelearning site. Project members can create their online reviews and reports, and participate in project-focused discussions. Other registered members of the site can post literature reviews and participate in general discussions.

The smelearning site has so far hosted activities by project partners only. Future developments are intended to bring in activities of more general interest later in 2004 and through 2005.

Over the past few years, there has been increasing interest in the potential uses of Information and Communication technologies for learning in Small and Medium Enterprises. This focus stems from the realisation of the importance of SMEs in sustainable economic development and in the development of regional economies. At the same time, the increasing importance of information and knowledge in the production process and in stimulating innovation has pointed to the importance of continuing education and learning for SMEs. However, most research and surveys have shown that SMEs have only a limited capacity and participation in continuing education and training. Furthermore, the limited available research suggests SMEs are slow to implement new computer based technologies.

In 2002, a number of new initiatives were launched to investigate further both the present situation with relation to the use of Information and Communication technologies for learning in SMEs and the potential of future use. This web site provides access to three initiatives. The first was a pilot study, undertaken by the Cedefop ICT network (CiRN). The second was a series of two European seminars, organised by north Wales based research and development organisation, Knownet, with sponsorship from the EU Directorate General Education and Culture. The third is an ongoing, three year EU sponsored Leonardo da Vinci research project, ICT and SMEs. Coordinated by Knownet, the project has participants in six European countries.