Designing a Model for Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprices (SME): The Case of Food and Beverage Industries

Given the significant role of small and medium-size industries in any country’s economic development, this research aims to design a model of market development for small and medium-size food and beverage industries. “Grounded Theory” was applied to design the model. For that purpose, the required data were collected through theoretical sampling, semi-structured interviews with 14 state managers of developing small and medium-sized industries, and studying organizational documents. Based on the results, the development of those industries involves a wide range of activities including: business environment improvement, development of infrastructures, market expansion, technology development, human resource development,
financial resource and networks. Such factors as economic, political-legal, technical, sociocultural, environmental, together with government support, value chain and current status of industry all affect those activities. Advancement of competitiveness through increasing productivity, innovation and added value are among the most significant outcomes of SMEs development.