SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner Countries 2020
Assessing the Implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe
The SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner Countries 2020 – Assessing the Implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe is a unique benchmarking tool to assess and monitor progress in the design and implementation of SME policies against EU and international best practice. It is structured around the ten principles of the Small Business Act for Europe (SBA), which provide a wide range of pro-enterprise measures to guide the design and implementation of SME policies. This report marks the third edition in this series, following assessments in 2012 and 2016. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of play in the implementation of the ten SBA principles, and monitors progress made since 2016. It also identifies remaining challenges affecting SMEs in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and provides recommendations to address them based on EU and international good practice examples. The 2020 edition also features a novelty: An assessment of three new dimensions going beyond core SME policy (competition, contract enforcement and business integrity) looking at key structural reform priorities that are critical to establishing a level playing field for enterprises of all sizes and ownership types.
Also available in: Russian
Republic of Moldova: Small Business Act country profile
Since 2016, the Republic of Moldova has made moderate progress in further developing a conducive business environment for SMEs. Moldova has advanced in the implementation of the SME Development Strategy 2012-2020 with substantial progress in the reduction of burdensome regulation, the implementation of regulatory impact analysis and the provision of business development services for SMEs. Noteworthy reforms also include reinforced policy framework for entrepreneurial learning, start-up support for young entrepreneurs, an expansion of the credit guarantee scheme, broadened e-government services and a formalised public-private dialogue platform.In future, Moldova should focus on promoting a level playing field for all enterprises through effective competition policy and a transparent and independent judiciary. Considerable work remains to be done to promote entrepreneurial learning, including meeting the specific skills requirements of SMEs. The limited internationalisation of Moldovan SMEs is a long-term challenge, and more emphasis could be placed on making better use of Moldova’s DCFTA with the EU. In addition, Moldova could further support the innovation activities of SMEs and their transition to the green economy.