OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook 2005
Encouraging entrepreneurship and facilitating the rapid growth of innovative SMEs is an effective means of creating jobs, increasing productivity and alleviating poverty. This publication describes recent trends concerning SMEs and entrepreneurship in OECD economies and beyond. It reports on a range of policy initiatives taken to enhance the vitality and competitiveness of the SME sector—which comprises over 95% of all enterprises and accounts for two thirds of private sector employment. Among the themes covered in this edition are regulatory and administrative burdens; entrepreneurship education and training; SME access to financing, technology, innovation and international markets; women’s entrepreneurship; and local policy issues. This third edition also includes the Istanbul Ministerial Declaration on Fostering the Growth of Innovative and Internationally Competitive SMEs.
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The Role of SMEs and Entrepreneurship in OECD Economies
SMEs and entrepreneurship continue to be a key source of dynamism, innovation and flexibility. They account for over 95% of enterprises, generate two-thirds of employment and are the main source of new jobs. Entrepreneurial activity is especially dynamic in knowledge-based services. Women’s entrepreneurship has recently shown vibrant growth. SMEs increasingly engage in cross-border alliances and inter-firm collaboration. SMEs are particularly innovative in knowledgeintensive services, new technology-based firms, showing their capability to renew technology. SMEs increasingly rely on networks, clusters and partnerships for accessing information and new technologies. ICTs and e-business applications present a growing range of benefits to SMEs. To reap the full fruits of innovative activity, SMEs need to use effectively the intellectual property rights system.
Also available in: French
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