Implementing a Nationwide System for Training Very Small Enterprises for ICT Innovation: the Greek Case

Abstract

The applications of ICT in enterprises are many and well known. However, many small enterprises do not integrate ICT. So, the Greek government decided to promote the integration of ICT in these businesses. The aim of the present paper is to describe this nation-wide training system for employees of very small enterprises on the uses of ICT, which presents certain peculiarities. The wide dispersion and lack of homogeneity of the enterprises necessitates that the training system must be decentralised as well as flexible. Also, the employees of very small enterprises are obviously adults and in many cases have absolutely no positive attitudes towards ICT. The particular characteristics of very small enterprises, not only the enterprises as organizations but also their staff, have an effect on the instruction of the trainers who must attend a multi-faceted program which satisfies all the above mentioned requirements and equips them with the necessary knowledge in order to be able to deal with a variety of situations which they may meet in the various enterprises.