Intangible Capabilities as Determinants of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adoption in SMEs: Toward an Evolutionary Model

This paper investigates the relationship between intangible capabilities and further AMT adoption in 116 small manufacturing firms. Results indicate that skills of blue-collar workers, influences of customers and vendors, and motivations focussed on process improvement and customers are the strongest determinants of subsequent levels of adoption. Further, it is shown that strategic motivations moderate the relationships between technical skills and influences, and further AMT adoption. Preliminary support for an evolutionary model is also leading to a revised conceptual framework. Dans ce papier, la relation entre les compétences intangibles et l'adoption subséquente de technologies avancées de production est étudiée dans un échantillon de 116 petites entreprises manufacturières. Les résultats indiquent que les compétences des cols bleus et l'influence des clients et des fournisseurs de technologies sont dominantes. De plus, il semble exister certains indicateurs préliminaires suggérant l'existence d'un modèle évolutif.