The prime objective consists of making attendants aware of the main directions of Electronic commerce and the benefits to be derived from using advanced technology. In addition, collecting requirements from SMEs is seen necessary in order to bring the needs of SMEs and users of Electronic Commerce facilities together. It is also supposed to help focusing on real needs and objectives of both participating SMEs and ACTS projects. Case studies and local success stories will illustrate these examples. During the final session the results of a questionnaire completed by the participants will be communicated and discussed.
Electronic commerce grows slowly.
There are technological restrictions, but mainly there is a social problem. It requires a fair amount of 'trust' to use an electronic service. Electronic commerce will not substitute normal trading. It will provide a forceful vehicle for all kinds of catalogue selling. In such environments we'll see mediating brokerage services growing very quickly.