Footwear Industry Footwear Industry - empirica

Footwear
In such complex scenario the question arises whether more e-business is needed in
this sector and, if so, in which areas in particular. There is consensus that the adoption
and usage of ICT does not automatically translate into increased competitiveness 91 . The
suggested path, therefore, is to identify priority areas where efforts should be made to
stimulate ICT adoption and, ultimately ICT-enabled innovation, for example where ICTsupported
processes could strengthen productivity and competitiveness.
In this context, a specific factor that appears to hamper a faster uptake of e-business in
this industry is a limited focus of companies’ management on ICT-related issues.
This applies, in particular, to the sector’s small firms, many of which operate as craft
shops in a traditional manner. Footwear firms also point out the need for sector-specific,
feasible and acceptable ICT solutions.
The following table summarises the main priorities and the related policy issues which
have been identified as a result of the analysis presented in this report.
Exhibit 5-9: Policy implications arising from e-business activity in the Footwear industry
1
Policy issues
Interoperability and
standardisation
2 e-Skills
3 Climate for innovation
Possible initiators
Standardisation bodies
European Commission
National Governments
Innovation centres
Industry associations
European Commission
National Governments
Regional Governments
Intermediaries and industry
associations
European Commission
Innovation centres
Regional Governments
Industry federations
Business support networks
Policy leverage
low < > high
Maximum: 3 points ( or ).
Source: e-Business W@tch (2006)
Interoperability and standardisation
A major action line which could help to increase the efficient use of ICT and e-business
by footwear companies is addressing the need for a global classification and
standardisation scheme of products. Not only the development of such schemes is
important, but also dissemination and awareness about global classification activities are
equally important and could be supported.
91
See e-Business W@tch Special Impact Study on ICT Impact on Corporate Performance,
Productivity and Employment Dynamics, 2006, available at www.ebusiness-watch.org
('resources').
141