AN ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES FROM INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES TO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examined the technological capabilities and support services available at the Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) in Southwestern Nigeria. It also assessed the factors influencing the provision of the services to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) as well as the effect of the technology on the enterprises. This was with a view to proposing appropriate strategies for enhancing effective provision of such services to the SMEs.

The study covered SMEs in Lagos, Ogun and Osun States, and the three IDCs (Ikorodu, Abeokuta and Osogbo) in the States. Ten SMEs that benefitted from the IDC’s programme and ten that had not benefitted were purposively selected from each of the three States. Two sets of questionnaire were designed to collect primary data for the study. The first set of questionnaire was designed for the coordinator and heads of departments and it elicited information on nature of equipment and machineries in place, nature of support, supporting infrastructure and available technological capabilities. The second set was administered on the 60 selected SMEs and it elicited information on nature of equipment and machineries in place, nature of support, post start-up experience, and appropriateness of support. Secondary data was also obtained from records at the IDCs. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The results showed that skills improvement, industrial extension, pre-investment feasibility report, training in business management, assistance in reaching market outlets and apprenticeship and vocational training were some of the support services provided by the Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) to the SMEs. All the support services were rated fairly effective, and there were significant differences in these ratings (F=4.254, p