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Helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into markets on the other side of the Atlantic was the central topic of the fourth European Union-United States SME Workshop, held in Washington, DC, on December 3 and 4, 2012. At the workshop, two business support networks – the EC’s Enterprise Europe Network and the US International Trade Administration – signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting cooperation. Specific areas for cooperation include the promotion of SME events and business partnering activities, participation in sector-specific or thematic seminars and the exchange of information on SME networking opportunities.
‘We must collaborate on how to help SMEs tap the full economic potential of the global market’, said Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director General of DG Enterprise and Industry. ‘If you are international, you grow faster, you increase employment faster and pay higher wages than non-exporting SME firms’.
The EU-US workshop is an extension of the objectives described in the Letter of Intent signed by European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani and United States Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank in May 2012.
While the workshop touched on numerous topics, here are some highlights:
In both the EU and US, SMEs account for more than 90 percent of the total number of businesses. Indeed, SMEs’ contributions to innovation, turnover and employment are striking. For example, two-thirds of new employment in the US in the last 15 years was generated by SMEs. Here are some other key facts:
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Education is an essential element of entrepreneurship. Studies show that students who receive entrepreneurship education are not only more likely to be employed, but also more likely to start their own companies. With that in mind, the European Commission has proposed a series of actions that will help expose students to entrepreneurship and, as a result, help create jobs throughout Europe. Full story
To return to growth and higher levels of employment, Europe needs more entrepreneurs. New companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), create more than 4 million new jobs every year – the biggest source of new jobs in Europe. Recognising the integral role entrepreneurs play in economic recovery, the European Commission has launched the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan. A combination of investments, regulatory advances and educational opportunities, the Action Plan will help return economic growth to Europe. Full story
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reluctant to operate outside the borders of their own country, as they are afraid of encountering burdensome procedures when trying to claim payments for their products and services. SMEs often find it too daunting, complicated or expensive – because of consulting fees, legal counsel, document translation, etc. – to pursue legal action against companies or individuals in other Member States. Full story
As one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, Southeast Asia offers a wealth of opportunity for European businesses eyeing foreign markets. But despite the potential for growth, the region also poses numerous challenges, including different attitudes towards intellectual property rights. To help European SMEs navigate these differences, the Commission is excited to launch the ASEAN IPR SME Helpdesk. Full story
Both inside and outside their own borders, European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to late payments – one of the leading causes of bankruptcy among SMEs. The lack of protection for SMEs not only cripples businesses and stalls economic growth, but might also discourage would-be entrepreneurs from taking chances. This is why the European Commission has introduced multiple proposals to give SMEs the help they need to inject more dynamism in Europe’s economy. Full story
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are Europe’s job engine. Today, 85% of net new jobs in the EU’s private sector are created by SMEs. Thus, the EU has developed a number of concrete actions to promote a better economic environment for the 21 million SMEs in the EU, and support their efforts for creating new jobs. Full story
The fashion industry is responsible for more than just the latest trends. Between retail outlets, manufacturers and links in the supply chain, Europe’s fashion sector accounts for hundreds of thousands of companies and millions of jobs. The Commission is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the industry continues to thrive, including eliminating trade barriers, protecting intellectual property and facilitating entry into international markets. Full story
China has become a key market for SMEs hoping to make a splash overseas. Even so, China poses a series of challenges, including problems with protection of intellectual property rights and a dizzying web of regulations. But the China IPR Helpdesk, the EU SME Centre and the European Enterprise Network are here to help by bringing the risks – and rewards – of the Chinese market into focus. Full story
Helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into markets on the other side of the Atlantic was the central topic of the fourth European Union-United States SME Workshop, held in Washington, DC, on December 3 and 4, 2012. At the workshop, two business support networks – the EC’s Enterprise Europe Network and the US International Trade Administration – signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting cooperation. Specific areas for cooperation include the promotion of SME events and business partnering activities, participation in sector-specific or thematic seminars and the exchange of information on SME networking opportunities. Full story
Did you know that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can easily notify the European Commission if they face problems in relation to EU laws and policies? With the help of the EU's 600 Enterprise Europe Network partners, SMEs can make their situation known. This applies not only during the formation of legislation, but after legislation has been put in place and also on an ongoing basis via the Enterprise Europe Network's standard consultation procedure. Full story
Women's entrepreneurial potential is a very much underexploited source of economic growth and new jobs. The fact that women only account for 34.4% of the self-employed in Europe suggests that they need more encouragement to become entrepreneurs. As a source of inspiration and practical advice for women, the European Commission has set up a European Ambassadors’ Network and a European Mentors’ Network. Now it is up to the women themselves to take up the challenge... Full story
You have a brilliant business idea but you’re not sure how to bring it to life? You are a newly established entrepreneur and need a helping hand? Or perhaps you are already running your own company successfully but would like to expand and would benefit from some fresh ideas? Then you need look no further than the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, a mobility initiative financed by the European Union. Full story
Thirty-seven examples of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have achieved success on the international stage have just been unveiled in a publication as part of the European Commission’s drive to encourage entrepreneurship in Europe. 'The Secret of Success 2012-13' is a flagship publication for the European SME Week, which will be held from 15 to 21 October 2012. One of the aims of this event will be to promote entrepreneurship and inspire more European citizens to consider it as a viable career option. Full story
If you are considering entering these markets or expanding your activities there, the European Commission offers two valuable programmes to help you to do so. Previous participants explain how their companies benefited from the Executive Training Programme (ETP) and the EU Gateway Programme. Full story
Big multinational companies tend to secure the lion’s share of Europe’s media coverage, with lots of articles being written about their activities and plans. However, the reality is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a crucial driver for our economy, representing more than 98% of European businesses. SMEs can benefit from EU support in different forms and a recent guide presents a useful overview of the main opportunities available to them. Full story
Daniel Calleja Crespo is the European Commission's SME Envoy, ensuring an active interface with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Full story
The Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) promotes actions that address the challenges European industry is facing, with a special focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme has been successful in meeting its main objectives according to a recent report, which highlights several of its achievements. Building on CIP's results, its funding successor – the new Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs (COSME) - is expected to further strengthen and streamline actions in this field from 2014 onwards. Full story
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the European Union are of vital importance for economic growth. The Enterprise Europe Network is the world’s biggest business support network: in addition to providing SMEs with strategic services to enable cross-border co-operation, the Network offers valuable information and advice on how to access EU funding. Full story
Expanding beyond EU borders still presents small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with obstacles, but the potential rewards of internationalisation for their growth are significant. The European Commission has therefore put forward a strategy to help European SMEs seize global opportunities by streamlining and strengthening support available for them. Full story
Giving entrepreneurs a second chance at success and encouraging the handover of businesses are crucial ingredients in ensuring Europe’s long-term prosperity, according to a new study. These issues were also highlighted during the recent European SME Week 2011. Full story
The text only of the articles can be republished as long as the source of the article is quoted: Enterprise & Industry magazine (http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/magazine/index_en.htm), © European Union, 2008 - 2012
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