Modeling the adoption rates of manufacturing technology innovations by small US manufacturers: A longitudinal investigation Feb. 2003, pp. 351-366.
基于1000多家美国制造企业的数据，研究发现小型工厂比大型工厂更慢采纳制造创新，尤其在软技术方面进展不足，为政府援助项目提供了重点方向。
This study provides conclusive evidence to support the view that small plants are slower than larger plants to adopt manufacturing innovations. This empirical study based on over 1000 US manufacturing plants engaged in producing discrete products, studies the adoption of manufacturing technologies in small plants relative to large plants between 1993 and 1997. Under the assumption that small manufacturers are disadvantaged, several federal and state programs have been created to assist small manufacturers in acquiring and adopting manufacturing innovations. Through quantification of technology adoption in small manufacturing firms, this study’s findings reveal which manufacturing innovations are in greater need of governmental assistance programs. While small plants are making progress over time in catching up with larger plants in computerized technology use, they are not making similar progress in adopting manufacturing technology innovations in soft technologies. Several propositions for future research and recommendations for public policy are offered. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.