COMET Accelerator Project
The COMET Accelerator project took 30 New Zealand Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from a low or no e-commerce and export capacity, through to being skilled users of e-commerce tools, business supports and broadband to access global markets. The Accelerator participants were "e-enabled", received integrated transaction systems; "Marketeer" software; website design, development and implementation; training, support and mentoring; and six months free website hosting.
The objective of the Accelerator project was to identify the critical issues and barriers preventing SMEs from becoming e-enabled. These findings were then used to develop a blueprint for SMEs to use e-commerce to access global markets. They will help inform recommendations for how both the public and private sectors can increase SMEs' uptake and use of e-commerce to increase offshore market development.
The specific barriers identified during the project that restrict e-commerce enablement and exporting were:
- cost in time and money;
- access to suitable on-line banking facilities;
- difficulty in penetrating the global market;
- access to information on customs and other regulations;
- the general level of business capability of the firm; and
- the motivation levels of the participants
The COMET project showed that it is possible for many SMEs to be e-enabled if they are given sufficient support and direction. The blueprint outlines the key requirements based on the findings of the Project. The blueprint also suggests where SMEs can obtain assistance from the public and private sectors to become effectively e-enabled to export.
Furthermore, given the scope and range of issues identified during the project it is apparent that SMEs need better access to, and coordination of, the public and private sector providers who support the e-enablement process. The report identifies an e-commerce coordinated environment as a potential mechanism to address these issues, overcome the barriers and replicate the success factors of e-enablement for export. Going forward, the Ministry’s efforts will be directed towards facilitating the establishment of just such an e-commerce coordinated environment.
Contact: Rachel Dillon 04-472-0030
COMET Accelerator Project Report
This report outlines the results of the research undertaken as part of the Central Online Management and Export Trade (COMET) Accelerator Project.
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