This book makes an important contribution to business, economic growth, and information and communication technologies led technical change literature. Evidence based on primary survey of firms, comes from firms located in three Continents, namely; Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Using advanced statistical and econometric techniques, the studies presented in the book have been able to capture the factors that are impediments in the adoption of new technologies. Findings presented in the book conclude that institutional support is necessary factor for small firms to remain competitive in the era of globalization. Case studies presented in the book suggest that entrepreneurship coupled with enabling technological and institutional environment can make small firms globally competitive. Cohesion of policies has been found essential for sustainability of growth and survival of small firms. We also conclude that degree of effectiveness of same policy instruments is not uniform across countries. Hence countries need to evolve their own country-specific policies for small firms so that they can survive in the globally integrated world.

Globalisation and SMEs: Introduction and Conclusion
E-business and Manufacturing Sector: A Study of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in India
Globalisation, Learning Modes and Opportunities in Malaysian SMEs
Discriminants of the Adoption of ICTs in Central America: A Case Study of Costa Rican SMEs
New Technologies and SMEs in Jamaica
Globalisation and the Adoption of ICTs in Nigerian SMEs

KAUSHALESH LAL earned his PhD degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Prior to joining UNU-MERIT in 2003 he was associate professor at Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, India. He has widely published in reputed international journals on the adoption of ICTs in developing countries. His research interests include various aspects of institutional environment, e-infrastructure, e-governance, and e-business in developing as well as developed world. Dr. Lal is on the panel of referees for several renowned international journals.