نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسنده
گروه اقتصاد، دانشکده علوم اداری و اقتصاد، دانشگاه اراک
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
This study aims to identify and prioritize the barriers to the development of linkages between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large industries in Markazi Province, Iran. The central issue addressed is why, despite the province’s significant industrial capacity, the linkages between upstream large industries and downstream SMEs remain incomplete and fragmented. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach and uses a four-round Delphi technique involving 30 industrial experts. Its theoretical framework is grounded in four complementary perspectives: value chain, supply chain, absorptive capacity, and institutional economics. The findings indicate that the barriers can be classified into two major categories. The first category consists of internal SME-related barriers, including the absence of effective inter-firm networks, inability to finance large contracts, weak marketing and promotion capabilities, limited working capital, and difficulties in meeting quality standards. The second category includes institutional and environmental barriers such as state intervention, bureaucratic and complex contracting procedures, foreign competitive pressure, weak information and communication infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in procurement processes. Based on the final ranking, the absence of business networks and financial constraints were identified as the most important barriers. the results suggest that, in the industrial context of Markazi Province, network-related and financial barriers are more influential than technological limitations. Accordingly, the development of linkages between SMEs and large enterprises cannot be achieved solely through strengthening firm-level capabilities. Rather, it requires a coordinated and multi-layered policy approach. Such policies should simultaneously enhance managerial and financial capacities of SMEs, reduce institutional constraints, reform contracting mechanisms, and create platforms for communication, cooperation, and trust-building among firms. This approach can contribute to completing the regional value chain, increasing value added, expanding employment, and strengthening the industrial resilience of the province.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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