Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption in Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

Small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) are critical to the defense industry of the United States. SMEs account for an average of 20% of the prime contracts and 40% of the subcontracts awarded by, or on behalf of, the Department of Defense. Suppliers, especially small businesses, also generate 80% or more of the manufacturing value-added of some weapon systems. Nevertheless, data from the National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing (NACEAM) and other organizations indicate that many SMEs are unable to support the defense industry because they lack the required technologies. This report summarizes technology demonstrations, workforce development activities, and technology development efforts of the Technology Insertion Demonstration and Evaluation program. The knowledge gained from these activities can help SMEs to overcome technology adoption barriers and acquire the capabilities that the defense industry requires.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA443496

Entities

People

  • John T. Foreman
  • Len Estrin
  • Suzanne Garcia

Organizations

  • Carnegie Mellon University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accounting
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Contracts
  • Control Systems
  • Defense Industry
  • Engineers
  • Management Personnel
  • Manufacturing
  • Organizational Structure
  • Small Business
  • Software Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Business

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).