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This paper focuses on the commercial exploitation of ethnic diaspora-based networks. Using qualitative data from four London minority-owned enterprises, diaspora-based linkages in the UK and beyond are examined and the implications for policy discussed. We conclude that, under certain conditions, diaspora-based networks enable higher levels of business competitiveness. They facilitate access to resources and markets by minority-owned businesses, particularly for those supplying ethnic goods and services,. Exploiting diaspora-based networks effectively depends not only on business owners' capabilities and motivations to do so but also on diaspora structures—their size, geographical and sectoral locations—and the resources and opportunities they make available to business owners. Conversely, in certain circumstances, engagement with diaspora-based networks can constrain business competitiveness, particularly where this restricts the resources and markets available. Diaspora-based networks are potentially important influences on business competitiveness but do not negate the importance of class resources such as property, education and skills in processes of business formation and development among minority groups. The implications for existing theory and for policy are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines four different innovation support instruments, taken as constituting key elements for the support system within the Lee Valley region of London, England. Link between innovation and competitiveness; Description of key innovation support instruments; Evidence on the innovation support needs of small- and medium-sized companies.

NORTH D. and SMALLBONE D. (2000) The innovativeness and growth of rural SMEs during the 1990s, Reg Studies 34, 145–157. The paper summarizes the results of a study of innovation in rural small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in England over the 1991–96 period. It is based on a survey of 330 firms drawn from 16 sectors and makes a comparison between similar SMEs in remote and accessible rural areas. Using a multi-dimensional index of innovation, relatively little overall difference is found in the level of innovation between SMEs in the different areas. A remote rural location is shown to influence innovation in different aspects of the business in different ways. The most innovative firms are shown to be those that have achieved the fastest growth and best employment creation during the 1990s. NORTH D. et SMALLBONE D. (2000) L'innovation et la croissance des PME rurales pendant les années 1990, Reg Studies 34, 145–157. Cet article cherche à faire le résumé d'une étude sur l'innovation des PME rurales en Angleterre de 1991 à 1996. Elle est fondée sur une enquête auprès de 330 entreprises sélectionnées parmi 16 secteurs et les compare à des PME similaires situées dans des zones rurales isolées et accessibles. A partir d'une indice d'innovation multidimensionnelle, il s'avère que l'écart global entre les niveaux d'innovation des PME situées dans des zones différentes est peu importante. On démontre qu'un emplacement rural isolé peut influer sur l'innovation de manière différente suivant les diverses fonctions de l'entreprise. Les entreprises les plus innovatrices sont celles qui ont atteint le taux de croissance et la création d'emplois les plus élevés pendant les années 1990. NORTH D. und SMALLBONE D. (2000) Ausmaß der Einführung von Innovationen und Wachstum kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen (SMCs) in den neunziger Jahren, Reg Studies 34, 145–157. Dieser Aufsatz faßt die Ergebnisse einer Studie der Einführung von Neuerungen in kleinen und mittleren Firmen (SMEs) in ländlichen Gegenden Englands im Zeitraum 1991 – 1996 zusammen. Er stützt sich auf eine Umfrage unter 330 Firmen in 16 Sektoren, und stellt einen Vergleich zwischen SMEs in abgelegenen und leicht zugänglichen ländlichen Gebieten an. Es wird ein mehrdimensionaler Innovationsindex benutzt, und allgemein weniger Unterschied im Umfang der Innovation in SMEs verschiedener Gebiete festgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, daß ein abgelegenes ländliches Gebiet Innovation in verschiedenen Aspekten des Betriebes auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise beeinflußt. Am innovationsfreudigsten waren jene, welche in den neunziger Jahren die größten Wachstumsleistungen und die beste Stellenbeschaffung aufzuweisen hatten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a longitudinal database, this paper compares the employment performance over the 1979-90 period of mature SMEs in three contrasting geographical environments-i.e. London, outer metropolitan locations in the South East, and remote rural locations in northern England. The performance of SMEs in London locations is shown to be inferior to that of similar firms in remote rural locations, but this is found not to result from them having a weaker performance in output terms. Whilst it is the most rapidly growing firms which have the greatest employment generation potential in all locations, London-based SMEs are more likely to achieve growth in ways which minimise the number of additional workers employed directly by the firm. These urban-rural differences can be explained by the different 'strategies' for business growth adopted by managers in responding to the various opportunities and constraints existing in different geographical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]