EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Go Online Training Support for SME´s

Go Online Training Support for SME´s - GR

Introduction

The main objective of the “Go Online Training Support Project” is to help Greek SMEs and micro-enterprises (1 to 3 employees) to better integrate simple information and communications technology (ICT) into their internal organisation and business relationships. The Go Online Training Support Project was developed as a support mechanism for the “Go Online Programme” (2002–2004), which was launched in Greece in the context of “Go Digital”, a part of the e-Europe initiative.

Description

The Go Online Programme is open to Greek SMEs (up to 10 employees), with the exception of joint stock companies (S.A.s) and freelancers. For the purpose of the programme, eligible SMEs are classified into three categories:

Enterprises with no infrastructure to connect to the Internet;
Internet-ready enterprises, with access to the internet and an active e-mail address;
Enterprises that already have a website, through which they can perform electronic transactions with customers and/or suppliers.

The Go Online Programme supports SMEs in the first two categories, in order to facilitate their transition to the third category. Funding is provided for the purchase of ICT infrastructure and Internet services. In particular, support is provided for the purchase of basic terminal equipment, Internet connection for 2 years, technical support for three years, the development of a simple commercial web page and maintenance and virtual hosting in an ISP for 2 years.

Funding covers up to 40% of the total cost of each package but cannot exceed EUR 704. The Go Online Programme is implemented over a 3-year period and the application process is continuous. The initial call for applications was announced at the beginning of December 2000.

SMEs and micro-enterprises participating in the Go Online Programme automatically have the opportunity to receive training and support services offered under the Go Online Training Support Project. The latter was designed to complement the Go Online Programme and to help SMEs possessing at least an elementary ICT infrastructure to adopt ICT applications and solutions, to develop an e-business culture, and to inform these companies of the benefits of using new technologies and the internet as a tool for internal organisation and business relationships.

Approach

Eligible SMEs are entitled to 3 x 7 hour visits from an e-business consultant. The e-business consultants are fully trained and are selected from among graduate students, young IT professionals, high school IT tutors, etc. Training sessions include: Internet, e-mail and web browsing, use of online government services for business purposes (paying taxes, etc.), and e-commerce and electronic transactions (B2B, B2C).

The project is being coordinated by the Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET) under the auspices of the Ministry of Development. GRNET works in partnership with regional consortia, formed by academic and technological institutions, industry associations and chambers of commerce, private companies, etc. In all 17 consortia have been formed, 16 regional and 1 national, through contracts awarded by GRNET.

Results

The initial strategic objective was to provide training to 50 000 SMEs and micro-enterprises. However, after the first 18 months of the project only 9 000 companies had received training. Therefore, after the first year evaluation, the project coordinators took the decision to dissociate participation in the Go Online Training and Support Project from participation in the Go Online Programme. Subsequently, any Greek SME and micro-enterprise investing in ICT material from its own resources, that needs help with training, can apply directly to the Go Online Training Support Project. It is hoped that this will greatly increase the number of enterprises receiving support.

The principal success of the project is the formation of regional consortia and ICT expert communities, working with SMEs and acting as a local human resource network that can foster local development and meet the ICT training needs of SMEs.

The strengths of the project are considered to be:

Familiarisation of SMEs and micro-enterprises with ICT technologies.
The formation of networks of local ICT experts.
The creation of a national database with information on the technological and e-business capabilities of Greek SMEs and micro-enterprises.

The project weaknesses include:

Initial compulsory link between hardware funding and the provision of training support.
Disparities between regions as regards the number of people receiving training.
The very young age of the training consultants.
Relatively elementary training content, which may not concern SMEs that have reached a certain proficiency in ICT and e-business.

Resources used

Total cost : 22.5 million euros
EU contribution: 16.9 million euros

Contact info

Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET) S.A.
Mr Jacques Koune, tel. +30 210 7474 250

Project start date

01/12/2000

Links

Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET) S.A.Regional Policy – Inforegio

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Keywords

Digital services