Strategic alliances, intellectual capital and organisational performance in technology-based SMEs: is there really a connection?

This study aims to analyse if there really is a connection between strategic alliances, intellectual capital and organisational performance in industrial technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To attain this objective, a quantitative study was made. Data were collected through questionnaires directed to the management organ of industrial technology-based SMEs, which resulted in 257 valid responses. The results obtained show that strategic alliances have an influence on the organisational performance and intellectual capital of the SMEs studied. The empirical evidences prove also that intellectual capital has an influence on the performance of this firm sector. The main conclusion shows that there is a linkage between these three topics in technology-based SMEs. Strategic alliances and intellectual capital are important elements for industrial, technology-based SMEs, as they are able to stimulate the organisational performance of this type of firm.