These books provides an overall account of small and medium enterprises in selected Asia-Pacific countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, China, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. All of these countries have given high policy agenda on the development of small and medium enterprises since SMEs contribute significantly to the respective national economic development. The books therefore provides various experiences on SMEs, issues and challenges, incentive and policies adopted by various governments and, more significantly, prospects for growth and development potential of SMEs in the new millennium.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and microenterprises, have emerged as an engine of growth for most of the countries in Asia and the Pacific. Their contributions are well-known; they increase production and exports, generate employment and facilitate income growth amongst the population. SMEs serve as a seedbed for enterprise development. Each country has evolved its own policies, institutional framework and support mechanisms for SMEs according to its needs, stage of economic development and culture. The experience of each one of them is unique. Developing a policy guidebook for SME development in the developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region has been a daunting task, when the variety of experiences and the varied policies and programmes of each country are taken into consideration. This book documents specific policy guidelines based on various countries' strategies, their best practices and their applicability in the context of development of SMEs in Asia and the Pacific in addition to the vast experience and expertise of the contributors, researchers and authors of the publication. Many countries as well as various multilateral and bilateral development agencies have implemented a variety of interventions in Asia and the Pacific in line with their SME development strategies, typically in the following key areas: (a) Business environment, including policy and regulatory framework and infrastructure development; (b) Entrepreneurship; (c) Financing; (d) Business development services; (e) Innovation and technology; and (f) Market access. Their interventions typically use several modalities to address the key issues, including policy advocacy, institutional capacity building, human resource development and direct support to enterprises. This comprehensive review of the SME policies and programmes in Asia and the Pacific demonstrates that the nations of the region appreciate the importance of SME development. The SME sector in many countries in the region suffers from numerous threats and challenges that necessitate a proactive approach from policymakers. National governments and various stakeholders in charge of policy planning would do well to recognize not only the threats and challenges, but also the changing needs of SMEs. In this regard, the following useful guidelines are identified for effective policymaking: (a) The reduction of entry barriers (and thus costs) for new businesses; (b) The importance of cash flow to SMEs -- the major reason most new and small businesses fail is not a lack of profits but a lack of cash; (c) The strengthening of entrepreneurship through training and education; and (d) The strengthening of networking and information dissemination, given the fact that a lack of networks and information hinders effective deployment of technology and business development services as well as collaboration with other firms. This publication should provide the basis for deliberations on policy formulation for SME development in Asia and the Pacific, developing and refining the institutional framework based on intercountry experiences. Implementation of policy options and their appropriate selection, based on key factors, is highlighted. The book may also serve as a training manual for entrepreneurs, educators and business associations, such as chambers of commerce and industry, for building up the capacity of SMEs.
A vibrant stratum of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is critical for the growth and development of Asian economies. These enterprises generate employment, contribute to investment, participate in value chains, and support innovation. SMEs that seek to sustain and grow their operations, however, face a variety of constraints, many of which are directly related to size. These so-called "size-induced market failures" create a role for public policy interventions by governments throughout the region. This book focuses on the market failures encountered by enterprises in the key areas of technology and innovation, credit and finance, education and skills, and market access. Obstacles to participation in the rapidly expanding regional and global value chains are also examined. Among a variety of issues, the book explores the "missing middle" in credit facilities for enterprises that are beyond microcredit but not yet able to secure regular loans from banks. The book investigates the barriers to innovation and how best to combine internal and external research and development. It also looks at the hiring versus training options to build human capital. The various chapter authors examine national and multicountry experiences in South and East Asia, ranging from those in Pakistan to Japan.
'The book deserves to be read by those who take an interest in industrial development and SMEs in the region. It provides good basic reading before executing more in-depth study into a particular country or sector.' - Henry Sandee, ASEAN Economic Bulletin This volume presents detailed analyses of the role and significance of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the economies of East Asia. Various aspects of SME operations are studied, including: * the role and significance of networking in the conduct of business * the contribution of culture to business acumen and entrepreneurialism * human resource development constraints and issues * technology transfer processes * the utilisation and application of information technology by SMEs * the impact of electronic commerce * the policy framework needed to stimulate the growth of the SME sector.
These books provides an overall account of small and medium enterprises in selected Asia-Pacific countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, China, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. All of these countries have given high policy agenda on the development of small and medium enterprises since SMEs contribute significantly to the respective national economic development. The books therefore provides various experiences on SMEs, issues and challenges, incentive and policies adopted by various governments and, more significantly, prospects for growth and development potential of SMEs in the new millennium.
The SME Policy Index is a benchmarking tool for emerging economies to monitor and evaluate progress in policies that support small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor provides data and analysis as a resource for evidence-based policy design. This year's edition focuses on South Asia. This first volume reviews micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the country and regional levels. It covers Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and examines MSME development, access to finance, and policies and regulations. It notes that revitalizing MSMEs by channeling more growth capital to them will be key to a resilient economic recovery from the pandemic. It highlights opportunities in formalizing MSMEs and connecting them to international markets, expanding digital skills, fostering technology-based start-ups, and supporting youth and women entrepreneurs.
Presents selected papers from a September 1999 conference organized by the Center for Policy Research, University Science Malaysia, focusing on linkages and clusters in SMEs. Discusses building of business relationships and possible supply linkages through SMEs, and looks at efforts towards industrial development through linkages and reorganization of industrial clustering for SMEs with respect to the Japanese experience. Discusses policy in supporting SMEs in the UK with some lessons for Asian countries, and describes programs for financial support, policy reform, and business training. The editors are affiliated with University Science Malaysia. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
'. . . I consider the book a good general reference on SME conditions in the Asia-Pacific region. . .' - Aegean Leung, ASEAN Economic Bulletin The 1997 financial and economic crisis in East Asia provided the catalyst for an important reappraisal of the Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME) sector across the region. In this timely book, a distinguished group of contributors discusses the role of SMEs in the globalisation of the East Asian economies, and assess how the financial crisis has impacted on them. They focus on a number of key aspects of SMEs in the region, including: * financing issues * the role of entrepreneurship * the diffusion of technology in the region * Chinese small businesses * SME requirements for information technology * the opportunities afforded by electronic commerce * regional labour markets and their impact on SMEs.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that scale up have long raised policy interest for their extraordinary potential in terms of job creation, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth. Yet, little is known about which firms could effectively become scalers, and what policies could effectively promote SME growth.
