Observatory and Survey Results

The e-aqua project has now reached the phase in which data have been gathered and some results can be analysed.

The Observatory module aim is to assess the current situation in the aquaculture sector regarding the IST and e-Commerce. It is a key element in the whole project because the outputs generated in this phase will feed other work packages and guide their activities.

The first conclusions are that the development of ICT and e-Commerce in the Atlantic Area SMEs is not significant. The socio-economic factors of the sector and each regions specificities are key factors that influence this development. These main indicators describe generally the development in all the regions but each partner in-depth knowledge of their region can complete and enrich the actions to be carried in other workpackages.

However, we have observed that the PC penetration is extremely high. Every SME have a PC and uses it for invoice/accounting and also for internet related purposes. The percentage of invoices and accounting uses is very high, exceeding the 50% for all partners. This is the most widespreaded use of a PC in these type of SMEs. Other uses like human resources or order processing systems are less important and the percentages differ between partners. It seems that the greater the size the greater the possibility of having a HR dept. The same for the order processing systems. Greater SMEs can process electronically their orders. The grade of development in the PC related metrics is quite good, the improvements will come as the market evolves.

The Internet related metrics are more sensible to the ICT and e-Commerce development grade. The internet connection indicator is very high. There are high levels of internet penetration (Britanny 80,95% to 100% in Scotland) but the usage is still mainly focused on email and search for information.

The connection type used differs for each partner. In any case, more than the 80% of the surveyed SMEs with Internet access, allow their managers to connect to Internet. The accounting departement is also connected to the Internet.

The fact that the Internet usage is focused on email and information search is unquestionable. However there is an incipient usage for a more business focused purposes like indentifying suppliers and accessing potential customers.

The web proves to be a useful promotional and informational tool. Many SMEs use it as a shop window or catalog of its products/services. Galicia has the highest ratio of SMEs maintaining a website (almost 55%) followed by Scotland (21%). Ireland and Britanny have the same value (about 9%). The difference between the Galician and the others might be due to the selection of SMEs, as most of them are medium-large enterprises with more than 100 employees or SMEs founded with working capital from other corporations. The other partners might have targeted small and micro enterprises, a more focused picture of the aquaculture sector in these regions.

It appears that the e-Commerce concept is widely understood by entrepeneurs. More than the 45% of the French entrepeneurs are familiar with it. This figure reaches 75% for Ireland and 100% for Spain and Scotland. The B2C (Business-to-Consumer) activities are however very low. Only the 21% of the Scottish SMEs knowing what e-Commerce is, are using B2C (mainly for online orders).

History is repeating for the B2B (Business-to-Business) with even lower percentages than the B2C activities. It looks like the e-commerce concept has not taken off in the aquaculture sector, a business sector with special needs in the logistics and product packaging.

More information about this subject as well as statistical data will be available on the e-aqua web site (project outcomes).

Upcoming Conferences and Events

European Seafood Expo
26-28 April 2005,Brussels, Belgium

European Aquaculture Society (EAS) Aquaculture Europe 2004 Conference
20 October2004, Barcelona, Spain

Announcements and Links

INTERREG Atlantic Area
Information about the funding programme

INTERACT
The INTERACT Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. INTERACT stands for INTERREG Animation Cooperation and Transfer. INTERACT has a wide geographic scope covering the 25 current and new EU Member States and neighbouring countries.

Contents

• Observatory and Survey Results
• Upcoming events
• Announcement