All experts agree on the fact that, in a globalized market, knowledge will be the key to being competitive.

The ICT and SME research project was developed within this framework. In the span of three years, an international partnership has carried out a complex research project to better understand the dynamics of the development of knowledge through communication and information technologies within SME’s.

The research was based on an articulated methodology that proceeded in stages: a survey of a sample of SME’s; interviews to policy makers; focus groups and case studies.

The present analytical study represents a particular interpretation of the data collected, and focuses on teaching and learning specifics through the use of technologies in SME’s.

In order to analyse the data from this perspective, an interpretative grid composed of several conceptual nodes has been created which represents many variables within the relationship between learning and individuals (people).

This strategy enables us to take into consideration not only aspects related to the characteristics of the business (sector, size etc.) but also those related to individuals (age, gender, role, costs, competences in information technology, etc).

The analysis of the data has highlighted the big differences which exist between the different EU regions and, in particular, between companies belonging to different sectors.

Besides these evident differences, there are also specific findings relating to the variables attributed to individuals. On each of these levels, conclusions have been drawn to give a precise picture of the phenomenon analysed.

In general terms, it is clear that training carried out via technologies requires a traditional training culture which cannot develop otherwise. A lack in this area is clearly evident in some regions, and undermines both the development of training and the adoption of communication and information technologies within businesses. In fact, research on learning via ICT should be a two-track process in which the idea of learning to learn is fundamental. This concept is central and is the main node connecting the complex relationships between communication, learning and technology in SMEs.