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Management Training and Networking in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Three European Regions: Implications for Business Support

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  • J Kitching
  • R Blackburn

Abstract

The authors aim to develop a better understanding of small-business owners' attitudes towards, and experiences of, management training through a study of small mechanical engineering firms and key support providers in three European regions: Stuttgart (Germany), Aarhus (Denmark), and South London (England). Important differences between the three regions in support networks are highlighted. The limited networking between small-business owners and training providers in South London is explained by a lack of embeddedness of UK small engineering firms in the institutional framework supporting business. The absence of a critical mass of engineering businesses, the limited experiences of business owners and the weak business-support network in South London are mutually reinforcing and perpetuate the isolation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from external training providers. Drawing on experience in Stuttgart and Aarhus, some policy proposals are offered which are aimed at increasing the take-up of management training by UK SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • J Kitching & R Blackburn, 1999. "Management Training and Networking in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Three European Regions: Implications for Business Support," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 17(5), pages 621-635, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:17:y:1999:i:5:p:621-635
    DOI: 10.1068/c170621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Huggins, 1998. "Local Business Co-operation and Training and Enterprise Councils: The Development of Inter-firm Networks," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(9), pages 813-826.
    2. Christel Lane, 1995. "Industry and Society in Europe," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 272.
    3. David Ashton & Francis Green, 1996. "Education, Training and the Global Economy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 914.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias Buchman & Andreas Pyka, 2012. "Innovation Networks," Chapters, in: Michael Dietrich & Jackie Krafft (ed.), Handbook on the Economics and Theory of the Firm, chapter 33, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Paul Jones & Malcolm J Beynon & David Pickernell & Gary Packham, 2013. "Evaluating the Impact of Different Training Methods on SME Business Performance," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 31(1), pages 56-81, February.

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