This study conducted a questionnaire-led survey to explore the financial feasibility and socio-environmental impacts of stand-alone solar home systems (SHS) through stratified random sampling. Based on the above consideration, fifteen cases of studies of various watt peak (Wp) capacities have been investigated to evaluate the economic viability of solar home systems. The results revealed that most of the cases have positive net present value (NPV) and low payback periods, with an internal rate of return (IRR) value ranging from 16% to 131%, which signifies a high rate of investment exchange. Solar home systems are economically profitable for micro-enterprises and households with low-income generation activities as opposed to the households using it only for lighting. The study found that solar home systems with a capacity above 30 Wp are the most economically viable option, which can also avoid 6.15 to 7.34 tonnes of CO2 emissions during the 20 years of life-cycle, while providing different applications including lighting, recreation, information, health, and economic benefits.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of similarities and differences between small and medium technology enterprises of Zhongguancun in China and Silicon Valley in the USA in the following aspects of their activities: scale, diversity and the strength of entrepreneurial networks; quality of collaboration network; reputation in the sense of stakeholders’ perception at the local market; and foreign networks. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a survey method. The analysis of variance statistical technique was applied to each aspect. Findings The investigation reveals that Chinese companies have more stakeholders among relatives and friends, government, universities, accounting/law, as well as collaborate more with competitors and suppliers, while the US companies have more and collaborate diverse relations with its clients. In America, companies tend to trust their partners more than they do in China. For Chinese companies, the local government appraises business more than the USA. Employees from the US companies also take more pride in telling others that they are members of the business. Domestic customers positively rate business products. Chinese companies actually have better access to foreign resources than the USA and collaborate more with their foreign stakeholders. Practical implications Understanding the distinctive features of each regional system is crucial for the success of small and medium technology enterprises for both Chinese and US entrepreneurs. Originality/value This paper is a pioneer in the comparison and analysis of the two regions.
Purpose This paper aims to investigate if the collaboration intensity of the company with local and international stakeholders facilitates the attracting of venture capital (VC) financing. The reputation of the company was incorporated as a factor, which can potentially influence investment decision-making. The study also aims to make a cross-national comparison of new ventures financing in two innovation regions – Chinese Zhongguancun and American Silicon Valley. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative methodology involving data gathered from 176 venture-backed as well as non-venture backed SME located in Chinese Zhongguancun and American Silicon Valley was applied. The data has been gathered through a survey. A logistic regression model has been adopted to test the hypotheses and explore relationships among concerned variables. Findings The results spotlight that collaboration intensity with the company’s domestic stakeholders could enhance the attractiveness of the company for external investments. Collaboration intensity with foreign stakeholders increases the likelihood of acquiring financial support only for Chinese companies. For American companies, the reputation of their stakeholders did not show a significant effect. However, positive reputation acquired from the Chinese company’s stakeholders enhances the chance of getting funding and moderates the investment effect of collaboration intensity with domestic stakeholders. Originality/value This paper unfolds that the network strength and the reputation of the SME could play the role in getting VC investment. The results are shown in two different contexts (Silicon Valley in the USA and Zhongguancun in China), characterizing the completely different cultural, legal, institutional and operating environments.
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