Looks at how small companies develop their knowledge asset base through organizational learning and the development of cooperative linkages via knowledge clusters. Provides a typology of knowledge clusters and speculates on how information and communication technologies promote collaborative learning. (Author/JOW)

Two projects attempted to assess and meet small and medium-sized enterprises' training needs. Britain's Learning support for Small Businesses delivery methods included paper, CD-ROM, and the Internet. The University of Limerick, Ireland, offered face-to-face learning for microenterprises. (SK)

University business incubators give businesses access to labs and equipment, scientific-technical knowledge, networks, and reputation. A study of incubators in Italy shows they do not resolve inadequate funding or lack of management and financial skills. However, the networking capacity can offset these problems. (Contains 25 notes/references.)…

Discusses technology diffusion through formal and informal networks. Develops a model that includes channels and mechanisms involved in transferring technology into innovative small businesses. The model depicts influences that increase or slow the rate of diffusion. (SK)

Provides an overview of innovation in United Kingdom firms based on a survey of 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. Includes case studies of the industrial clustering process, identifying factors connecting firms in the high-technology circuit. Discusses policy considerations for firms and government. (Contains 61 references/notes.) (JOW)

Discusses the relevance of work-based learning to contemporary education and outlines changes that have occurred over the past few decades. Provides a case study of Adapt-University for Industry, a project that identified training needs and provided guidance on work-based learning opportunities for Scottish small and medium-sized businesses.…

Analyzes instances of business-higher education collaboration within small business clusters in Britain, detailing the extent, contents, and intensity of that collaboration. Suggests that the leaders must committed to and believe in the benefits of collaborative relationships for them to be successful. (JOW)

A 3-year observational study of a project to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) conducted by a British university highlighted initial contacts and working methods that were effective. Results identified why some SMEs do not make full use of facilities offered and reasons for overall success. (Contains 13 references.) (JOW)

Reviews management training strategies used by small and medium-sized enterprises in Italy. Discusses solutions offered by distance learning, especially training delivered via satellite. (SK)

Includes "Introduction"; "Impact of Research on Manufacturing SMEs"; "Technology Acquisition and the Changing Face of Manufacturing Industry"; "Enabling Continuous Improvement of New Product Development Processes"; "Innovation and SMEs"; "A Decision Support System for the Initiation of…

The Prospects Programme assisted British military personnel in the transition to civilian life. The lifelong learning program included identification of transferable skills for new employment directions, accreditation of prior learning, resume and interview training, and 11-week work placements. (SK)

A study of online courses for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises in Finland, Italy, Spain, and Scotland found they are effective only if educational providers and enterprises have collaborative working relationships in which learners receive support from both. Flexibility in matching delivery to individual needs is also a key. (SK)

Small and medium-sized enterprises are considered to be the backbone of many European economies and a catalyst for economic growth. Universities are key players in encouraging and supporting economic growth through technology and knowledge-related transfer. The right environment to foster transfer is a proactive culture. (Contains 22 references.)…

In Norway, 32 secondary and postsecondary institutions serve as regional centers for continuing education and inservice training for business/industry. Information/communications technology solutions are focused on the needs of participants, not simply on transferring old methods to Internet delivery mechanisms. (SK)

Includes "Creating Conducive Environments for Learning and Entrepreneurship" (Gibb); "Understanding Notions of Enterprise in the Higher Education Sector" (Hartshorn); "Towards HEI (Higher Education Institution)-based New Venture Generation" (Virtanen, Laukkanen); "Entrepreneurial Universities" (Formica);…