In 2016 compared with 2015, the number of high-growth enterprises increased by 14% in the European Union (EU). According to the preliminary data for 2016, the number of high-growth enterprises in the EU was 180 000, compared with 158 000 in 2015.
These enterprises provided jobs for around 15 million employees: an increase of 13%.
Source dataset is available here
Highest increase in Cyprus, Romania and Slovenia
Between 2015 and 2016, the number of high-growth enterprises increased in 23 EU Member States. The increase was highest in Cyprus (104%), however, the absolute number of high-growth enterprises in Cyprus is relatively low (48 in 2015 and 98 in 2016). The increase exceeded 25% also in Romania (34%), Slovenia (29%), Spain (27%), Italy and France (both 26%).
A decrease in the number of high-growth enterprises was recorded in four EU Member States: Latvia (-38%), Estonia (-30%), Malta (-18%) and Finland (-4%). The largest absolute number of high-growth enterprises - about 40 000 - are operating in Germany, followed by the United Kingdom (26 000), Spain and France (17 000 each) and Italy (15 000).
Highest increase in the "accommodation and food service activities" sector
The number of high-growth enterprises increased in all economic sectors. The highest increase was in "accommodation and food service activities" (21%), followed by "information and communication" and "transportation and storage" sectors (15%). The lowest increase was in "Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply" (3%).
Data for "mining and quarrying" sector are not available
Source dataset is available here
High-growth enterprises are defined as enterprises with an average annualised growth in the number of employees of more than 10% per year over a three-year period and at least 10 employees when the growth began. High-growth enterprises play an important role in contributing to economic growth and job creation.
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