Introducing an Operational and Techonological E-Commerce Framework for European SMEs: Designing Regional and Interegional E-Commerce Zones for SMEs in Four Less Favoured European Regions (LFRS) Based on Request Based Virtual Organisation (RBVO) Concept

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent the driving force for local development and growth in European Less Favoured Regions (LFRs); geographical isolated areas characterized by poor business performance and a less developed and privileged economy. The introduction of e-commerce is considered as an essential element for improvement of local SME’s competitiveness and position in the Global Market, supporting simultaneously these regions to overcome their geographical limitations and follow up international business trends. In the context of the IST-2001-33251 LAURA project, the potential for regional and interregional e-commerce development has been analysed in four European LFRs (Epirus, Messinia, Saxony-Anhalt, and South Central Bulgaria). Based on these results and adopting the notion of a specific type of Virtual Organisation taxonomy (Request Based Virtual Organisation RBVO), we present an operational and technological e-commerce framework adapted to the specific context of LFRs. The paper outlines the core identified factors that will influence the introduction and the effect of e-commerce in Less Favoured Regions.