Web 2.0 in SME networks - a design science approach considering multi-perspective requirements

As small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) face new challenges in a complex and dynamic competitive environment, they need to cooperate due to their restricted resources and limited capacities. Here, Enterprise 2.0 is seen as a supporting approach. To this date, there is a lack of academic publications concerning recommendations for the application of Web 2.0 artifacts in SME-networks. This paper aims at bridging this gap by suggesting a conceptual base following the design science approach. Based on technical and organizational requirements resulting from exploratory interviews with representatives of SMEs participating in a regional SME-network, we transfer  the requirements in a prototypic concept. This developed artifact provides a basis for a field test to evaluate the concept and for further research.