Government Procurement ICT's Impact on the Sustainability of SMEs and Regional Communities

SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) are a dynamic force for sustainable economic growth and job creation within developed and developing communities (MFT, 2001; NOIE, 2003; BRTF, 2003). SMEs stimulate private ownership and entrepreneurial skills; they are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing market demand and supply conditions; they generate employment, help diversify economic activities and make significant contributions to export and trade. An economy"s overall economic health and well-being can be measured by the growth of SMEs-so it is vital to enhance the capacity of SMEs to compete domestically, nationally, and internationally (APPC, 1999).