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Coordinator: University of Ioannina
(Licensed by the approved proposal)
The objective of the pilot action is
to develop an e-commerce and information management
facility in Epirus, assist 35-40 enterprises to introduce
e-commerce into their business activity, and pave the
way for introducing e-commerce among the enterprises
of the region at a broader scale. The pilot action proposed
here stems from the RISI strategy of the region, and
complements with the action plan of the region for Information
Society that will be funded through the CSF.2000-2006.
In practical terms, the pilot action will comprise
the following action lines:
Sub-action 4.1
Design and selection of the e-commerce and
information exchange patterns for the region
- Documentation of e-commerce services and sources
of support available in the region (software packages,
training materials, grants, etc.).
- Selection of 35-40 enterprises to participate in
the programme and analysis of their needs and capacity
to take-up e-commerce. For the needs analysis each
enterprise will undergo a diagnostic review to be
conducted on site by consultants.
- Development of the E-Commerce Portal facility and
related services. A small staff team will run the
Portal facility. The team will also operate as a Support
Group for the participating enterprises; it will provide
technical assistance, run a help-desk service, distribute
information, deliver training, etc.
- Implementation of the action line to the selected
enterprises and use of the national funded programme
‘Get Networked’ for personal web sites development
for the participating firms.
- Testing and evaluation of results
Sub-action 4.2
Development of an awareness raising and training
package for the implementation of e-commerce by participating
enterprises and further diffusion. On going support.
- Companies will go first through an awareness raising
and training session or sessions. Then they will be
given expert technical assistance by the Support Group
to develop their own e-commerce service. Once their
e-commerce service is operational they will have access
on an on-going basis to expert assistance through
the help-desk service that the Support group will
run.
- Preparation of accompanying materials. These will
include: an analysis and evaluation of the pilot action,
including an evaluation of outcomes at the level of
the participating enterprise; a follow-up action plan
for promoting e-commerce to the enterprises of the
region; and a Good Practice Guide for promoting and
introduction of e-commerce into small enterprises
at regional level.
Geographical coverage:
1 Objective 1 areas: x
0 Objective 2 areas:
0 Areas outside Obj. 1 and 2:
The Portal will serve the whole of the region. The enterprises
that will take part in the pilot action will come from
all the four prefectures of the region.
Groups targeted
Small enterprises across the targeted areas
Indicative project selection criteria
- Active in competitive sectors in the areas selected
- A minimum level of technical and organizational
conditions.
- Commitment to participate actively in the project;
- Prepared to contribute to the diffusion of e-commerce
Results expected
- Operational introduction of e-commerce and site
development into the activity of at least 35 small
and medium enterprises
- A fully operational service package for promoting
e-commerce in the region. The package should be readily
transferable and it will comprise:
- Common e-commerce facilities,
- An awareness raising and training package for entrepreneurs
combining printed and electronic materials suitable
for distance- learning and self-training.
- A help-desk and technical assistance service to
guide and advise enterprises wishing to introduce
e-commerce.
- An action plan for promoting the use of e-commerce
by the enterprises of the region, including the expansion
of the take-up of the services of the e-commerce facility.
- A Good Practice Guide for promoting and introduction
of e-commerce into small enterprises at regional level
Cost of the action: € 190,000
ERDF contribution: € 152,000
Private sector contribution: 0
Public sector contribution: € 38,000
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