Business services

Introduction

Business services consist of many different activities. They include:

• highly advanced consultancy services, e.g. management consultancy or computer services
• professional services such as engineering and legal services
• marketing services, e.g. advertising or fairs and exhibitions
• labour intensive services, e.g. personnel services
• operational services, e.g. cleaning and security services.

A thriving business services sector is of major importance for the competitiveness of European industry and a key factor in the creation of employment and lasting economic growth. In fact, an important element in EU competitiveness policy is to promote intangible investment (knowledge-creation, quality, innovation, management etc.). Business services are often required to supply key elements of such investments.

In particular, business services are of major importance in helping the SME sector realise its potential contribution to innovation and growth. There is evidence that some of the most dynamic SMEs already make use of business services to perform the functions that can not be undertaken in-house. In the face of pressures of internationalisation, greater use of these services by a wider range of SMEs needs to be encouraged.

In 1995 the Council invited the Commission to analyse the situation of business services from the point of view of their contribution to industrial competitiveness and job creation. Also, it asked the Commission to produce a communication on the future of business services and to consider appropriate policy actions.

On this page you will find the Commission’s 1998 Communication on business services, the Council conclusions that followed and other related documents.

Official documents

Papers

Publications

How to obtain these publications?