Technology credit scoring model considering both SME characteristics and economic conditions: The Korean case

In order to support small and medium enterprises (SME) with a high degree of growth potential in technology, various kinds of technology credit guarantees are issued to companies that obtain high scores by a technology scorecard in Korea. However, their default rates are reported to be very high. The main goal of this study is to propose a new technology evaluation model that accommodates not only technology-related attributes but also environmental conditions such as firm-specific characteristics and economic situations in the manner of more objective. We then show the superior prediction ability of the proposed model to the existing one. This model also enables to apply to a stress test by considering some worst environmental situations and is expected to be used for the effective management of the various technology funds for SMEs. Journal of the Operational Research Society (2010) 61, 666-675. doi: 10.1057/jors.2009.7 Published online 25 March 2009