Working with Small Manufacturing Enterprises: An Analysis of TIDE Demonstration Projects

This paper documents some of the challenges and risks facing programs or organizations trying to help small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). The Technology Insertion, Demonstration, and Evaluation (TIDE) Program performed seven demonstration projects with SMEs. While the companies differed in size, technology needs, and in-house capabilities, they are typical of the companies to be found in the SME sector. This report examines the effort to help SMEs through demonstration projects. It describes the challenges that the TIDE Program personnel faced, and presents recommendations to help organizations in similar situations address or avoid those challenges.